MOC spikers get home win vs. Endicott

Published in Sports on March 21, 2006 1:47 PM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- Julio Arnaiz tallied 22 kills and 13 digs to lead Mount Olive to a 27-30, 30-22, 30-26, 30-17 victory over Endicott (Mass.) in NCAA men's volleyball Monday at Kornegay Arena. The match was the Trojans' first home contest of the season.

Mount Olive (5-6) took an early lead in game one, but Endicott (12-16) came back to build the lead to as many as six points. The Gulls withstood a late rally to take the first game.

Arnaiz says the Trojans were able to make some adjustments after game one.

"We worked on our serve receive and also worked on making better passes," said Arnaiz. "We were able to make the plays we needed to after the first game."

Mount Olive broke open a close came as Arnaiz's ace helped the Trojans build a 17-11 lead. The lead was still six when Cesar Trigo de Serrano accounted for three of the Trojans' final four points of game two, recording a pair of kills and an ace.

Mount Olive held a 17-16 lead in game three when the Trojans capitalized on a series of fortuitous bounces to gain some breathing room. Arnaiz's mis-hit on an attack attempt turned into a point when no Endicott players could get to the ball that landed just beyond the net. Two points later, Trigo de Serrano's serve hit the top of the tape and rolled over the net for an ace. On the next point, Arnaiz turned a dig into a point when the ball landed just inside the out of bounds line.

A double block by Arnaiz and Mike Carroll capped an 11-4 run and built the Trojans' lead to 28-20. But solo blocks by George Chapell and Clay Ostrander on consecutive points helped pull Endicott within 29-26. But Pedro Penate's cross-court kill on game point gave the Trojans a 2-1 lead.

In the fourth game, Mount Olive used a 9-1 run to overcome an early three-point deficit as Chris Schortgen's ace gave the Trojans a 12-7 lead. A series of unforced errors by Endicott helped Mount Olive build the lead to double digits and the Trojans' lead never fell below nine points the rest of the way. Carroll and Trigo de Serrano sealed the win with a double block on match point.

Trigo de Serrano finished with 13 kills and three aces, while Penate added 11 kills. Zach Wilson recorded 45 assists, while Kris Suarez finished with a match-high 18 digs. Carroll led all players with seven blocks, followed by Kyle Lewis with six blocks.

Ostrander led Endicott with 20 kills, while Mike Koflesky added 17 kills and Matt Keepin finished with 12 kills. Eric Hunter shared match-high honors with 45 assists and also led the Gulls with four blocks.

Mount Olive played its first 10 matches on the road, mostly in the Northeast. Arnaiz says he and the rest of the "road warriors" were happy to finally play at home.

"We feel more rested and more focused, being able to play at home," said Arnaiz. "And we appreciate having the support of our fans here."

Monday's contest was the first of three home matches for Mount Olive, all taking place this week. The Trojans play host to Eastern Mennonite today at Kornegay Arena. Match time is 7 p.m.

MOC Sports Information