Photo by Angelica Pasquali
The Ramapo College men’s volleyball team entered last Saturday’s double-header at the Bradley Center winless in the season facing Skyline Conference opponents Purchase College with a 2-4 record in the first game and Bard College with a 1-9 record in the second game.
The Roadrunners came out to set an example and show how their early season struggles were just a bump in the road. The men’s volleyball team swept Purchase in the first match of the day with wins in three sets (25-19, 25-20, 20-17) to earn their first victory of the season. Sophomore outside hitter Justin Feigeles led the team with 15 kills, while freshman setter Mikhael Erushalimski helped alongside by dishing out a team high of 32 assists.
The men’s team had a very well-rounded attack, and they ended their win against Purchase College with a total of 49 kills and 39 assists. This is a positive sign moving forward for the Roadrunners, because in the previous four games combined, the men’s team tallied 196 kills and 114 assists in 16 sets.
In the second game, the Roadrunners started their first win streak of the season against Bard College, who they dominated in three sets (25-17, 25-20, 25-20).
The men’s volleyball defense was a standout against Bard College, as freshman outside hitter Jordan Elam had a team high two blocks and sophomore Spencer Shickora recorded 13 digs out of the team total 46. The Roadrunners held Bard College to a hitting percentage of .129.
Elam said he wanted his team and himself to show good effort after a rough start.
“We showed a lot of potential after playing two tough teams, and I believe we will play well moving forward in the season,” said Elam.
Prior to last Saturday, Elam said that head coach Kevin Rodgers stressed to, “focus on the little things and play hard on every play.”
The team consists of five freshmen, three sophomores and two juniors.
“It is a very dangerous and rowdy group of guys,” said Elam. The team looks to finish strong and close this season on top of the conference.
The future is bright for the Roadrunners because any player on the team can step up at any night. With Rodgers leading the team in the right direction, this young team is looking to make noise for years to come.
Last night, the Roadrunners welcomed the No. 2 ranked SUNY New Paltz Hawks to the Bradley Center, but were defeated in four sets.
The Roadrunners will travel to Troy, New York on Saturday to take on Purchase College at 11:00 a.m. and The Sage Colleges at 1:00 p.m.
mmiles2@ramapo.edu
