FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University men's volleyball team defeated fellow NEC opponent Merrimack on Friday evening, 3-0. The Pioneers celebrated seven graduating seniors before the match.
 
Records:
Sacred Heart: 7-11, 2-3 NEC
Merrimack: 6-9, 1-2 NEC
 
Top Performers:
Patrick Mucherino: 18 kills (.818), 9 digs, 1 ace, 1 block, 20 points
Carlos Santa Cruz: 12 kills (.333), 1 assist, 1 ace, 13 points
Teddy Payne: 38 assist, 6 digs
 
How It Happened:
After the Pioneers had a three-point lead, the Warriors went on a 6-0 run to take over. The Pioneers responded with their own 6-1 run to lead 15-13 at the media timeout. The Pios maintained their lead the rest of the match securing the 25-19 win. SHU hit an impressive .609. Patrick Mucherino and Carlos Santa Cruz each secured five kills.
 
The second set was more contested as the teams battled 16 ties through the set. SHU went on a 6-3 run after being tied at 19 to secure the 25-22 win. The Pioneers continued to hit well at .500 and secured 13 kills. 
 
SHU held the lead the entirety of the third set to secure the 25-21 win. 
 
Mucherino led the Pioneers with 18 kills hitting .818. Carlos Santa Cruz was right behind him with 12 kills and hit .333. Teddy Payne had a big night with 38 assists and 6 digs. 
 
Up Next:
The Pioneers head to Merrimack tomorrow for a 5:00 p.m. start.