March 2, 2004
In a 3-0 victory over Mount Ida College (30-27, 30-20, 30-23), Endicott's record swells to 12-7 overall and 12-2 in NECVA play, while the Mustangs fall to 4-8. Outside hitter, Eric Hunter's phenomenal play was a major highlight of the match for the Gulls.
Hunter hit .469% (17k-2e/32att) and was the point leader for the Gulls. Fellow outside hitter Mike Coflesky's efforts followed closely as he hit .417% with 11 kills. Endicott's offense was more than the Mustangs could handle, as Jeremy Fontaine also contributed 12 kills. Coflesky and Fontaine also added an ace apiece to the Gull arsenal.
Defensively, libero Craig Steszewski and Fontaine each dug nine of the Mount Ida attacks. At the net, Hunter had a solo block, while Fontaine had an assist, and freshman Eddie Marchand had two.
The Mustangs could not match the Endicott fire at the net, despite 18 and 13 kills respectively by sophomore, Lucas Coffeen and senior Dajaun Owens. Matt Bennet was just behind them with eight kills, and was the team leader in digs with fifteen. Owens contributed nine digs on the defensive side.
Endicott has now won 12 of their last 13 matches and will return to action this Friday as they host the largest men's college volleyball tournament in the country - The 2004 Vizion Apparel Invitational. The Gulls will open play at 4:30 against NJCU and the follow that with a 6:30 match with \#11 Medaille. Complete tourney details can be found at www.ecgulls.com.