Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, MA (March 1, 2011) – The Vassar College men's volleyball team saw its five match winning streak come to an end at the hands of No. 1 nationally ranked Springfield College on Tuesday night at Blake Arena 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-20).

The Brewers (14-8), who entered the national polls this week at No. 14, will look to make a statement on March 5-6 at the Athletics & Fitness Center, Vassar hosts the United Volleyball Conference (UVC) Crossover Tournament. The Brewers will play three matches, the first on Saturday against Hilbert College at 1:00 pm. Springfield College improves to 7-10 and next hosts Princeton on March 4 at 6:00 pm in an EIVA Tait Division match.

Vassar was hindered by a difficult attack match, while Springfield showcased its ability with a strong evening offensively, hitting .405. Senior Evan Fredericksen had seven kills for Vassar. Sophomore setter John Konow had 19 set assists and both sophomore Christian La Du and junior Lucas Rathjens had six digs each. Springfield got a 14 kill match from Tommy Crow and 13 from Alberto Bravo. Mike Becker had 19 set assists.

Vassar dropped the first two sets 25-12, 25-15, but a more aggressive attack game and defensive play at the net and off Springfield attacks prohibited the Pride from jumping out to the type of big leads found in the opening two sets. Though the set had only two ties early on, the Brewers hung tough. A kill from sophomore Patrick Donohue brought Vassar within 16-15, but Springfield successfully turned a 19-16 lead into a 21-17 advantage. Vassar did close to 23-20 off a Springfield attack error but the Pride closed out the match with a kill from Scott McMahan and a Vassar attack error.

The second set started out competitively, as the Brewers had the set tied at 9-9 following block assists from Charlie Caldwell and Patrick Donohue, and were within 12-10 before the Pride went on a 10-3 run to take a commanding 23-12 lead.

The Pride controlled the opening set, jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead and were in control throughout, pushing that margin to 19-6 on a kill from Bravo. Once settled, the Brewers were able to keep pace with Springfield, alternating point-for-point, but the deficit was too large to overcome.