SPRINGFIELD, Mass., January 26, 2007 – Springfield College freshman outside hitter Alex Harrison (Albany, N.Y.) totaled a match-high 12 kills on 26 swings with just four errors for a .308 hitting percentage as the fifth-ranked Pride downed the Wildcats of Johnson & Wales University, 3-0 (30-19, 34-32, 30-22), this evening in a non-conference match at Blake Arena.

With the win, SC has now won four consecutive matches and improves to 4-3 overall on the season. The loss was Johnson & Wales’ first of the 2007 season, as the Wildcats fall to 2-1.

In game one, junior outside hitter Javier Rosario (San Juan, Puerto Rico) registered five kills on seven swings with just one error for a .571 hitting percentage as the Pride cruised to the 30-19 advantage. Rosario also added five digs in the opening frame, as junior outside hitter Eric Palumbo (Chili, N.Y.) and sophomore middle blocker Andy Sipe (New Oxford, Pa.) both tallied four kills.

In the next two games, SC went to its bench and came out victorious, winning by scores of 34-32 and 30-22. Senior libero Peter Sander (Burnt Hills, N.Y.) finished with a team-best 11 digs in the final two games, and junior middle blocker Mike Walker (Kenmore, N.Y.) ended up with a match-high four blocks. Freshman outside hitter Peter Manguiat (Oakland, Calif.) recorded nine kills, five digs and one block in two games played.

Johnson & Wales was led by sophomore outside hitter James Scott with eight kills, 11 digs, two service aces and two blocks. Junior setter Albert Trevino finished with 19 assists, six kills, seven digs and three blocks for the Wildcats.

The Pride will next open up Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) Hay Division play when it hosts Harvard University on Tuesday evening, January 30th, in a 7:00 p.m. start.

published: 01/26/2007