March 8, 2006

Final Stats

Fairfield, CT - Sophomore Leonardo Paludo led all players with 18 kills and 12 digs, and NJIT used a 10-1 run to close out Sacred Heart, winning the match 3-1, in men's volleyball action Wednesday night at the Pitt Center.

The Highlanders took the first game in convincing fashion, rolling to a 30-18 victory. However, the Pioneers fought back to make the second game competitive. Sacred Heart went up 6-2 early on, but the Highlanders used an 11-2 run to take control of the game, and would hold on for a 30-27 win.

The Pioneers came out quickly again in game three, jumping out to a 17-9 lead before the Highlanders called a timeout. NJIT would fight back, but Sacred Heart held on for a 30-27 win, forcing a fourth game.

In the fourth game, the teams exchanged rallies early on, battling to a 10-10 deadlock. Then the Highlanders went on the 10-1 run to open up a 20-11 lead. From there they hung on to close out the match, 30-23.

The Pioneers were led by junior John Breen (North Andover, MA), who had 16 kills, and freshman Barry Smith (Shelton, CT) with 14 kills. Senior Alex Catani (Larkspur, CA) also had 12 kills and libero Brent Monden (Kanehoe, HI) piled up a game high 12 digs.

Junior Amobi Armstrong and freshman Pawel Pregoswiski each had 10 kills for the Highlanders, who extended their winning streak to six matches.

Sacred Heart (0-10, 0-5 EIVA) will now have a week off before its next match. The Pioneers return to the court on Wednesday, March 15th when they host Harvard. Game time at the Pitt Center is 7:00 pm.