Men’s volleyball loses in five to Pride

On Wednesday night, the men’s volleyball team faced No. 4 Springfield College for the second time this season. Although the Lasers were again unable to triumph over the Pride, it was a match to remember as the two teams clashed until the end.

The first set started rather evenly, with Lasell capturing a 10-9 lead midway through. Both the Lasers and the Pride were flying around the hardwood, but Springfield was forcing Lasell to work hard for every point. Things started to get hectic for the Lasers and they ended up going down in the first set, 25-19. 

The second set began with the Lasers displaying more strength and mental toughness. Eager to start with a lead in this set, the team took an 11-9 lead. The set stayed tight, but Lasell found a way to keep a small lead and won the second, 25-23. Springfield tried hard to mount up momentum, but the Lasers never let things get out of hand.

In the third, things started to go awry for the Lasers. Unlike the second set, Lasell did not do a great job keeping focus and playing for each other. While the Lasers fought very hard in this one, the crowd faded away at times, and the team began to unravel. Springfield took advantage and easily won the third set, 25-16. 

The match got much more competitive in the fourth, with both teams bringing energy on the court and the sidelines. The crowd roared back into it, and so did the Lasers. Lasell played from behind to start, but the score was 21-21 in the final moments. Each squad left it all out on the floor, but Lasell was victorious thanks to an ace by junior Jordan Shinaut and a kill by grad student Brenden Joyce.

During the fifth and final set, Springfield had a little more left in the tank. The Lasers were simply outmatched and lost 15-10. It was a respectable effort from the home team, nonetheless, and despite a record of 6-7, the Lasers should continue to improve, especially with an easier schedule ahead.

The men’s volleyball team will return to action in a tri-match at Elms College on February 24, where it will face the Blazers at 11 a.m. and the New Paltz St. Hawks at 1 p.m.