April 19, 2005

The Endicott men's volleyball team wrapped up their 2005 campaign by making their second consecutive appearance in the ECAC Championships. The Gulls finished the season with an overall record of 20-10, the winningest season in the program history at .667%, and went 13-5 in NECVA New England play. EC also achieved their first appearance in the top 10 on the AVCA Top 15 Poll, peaking at \#9 before injuries and illness changed their lineup and the Gulls finished at \#14 in the nation.

Some of the 2005 highlights included going 3-1 over NCAA Division I and II schools as the Gulls picked up their first win over Sacred Heart and defeated the U. of New Haven twice. The Gulls also placed third in their Endicott March Mania Invitational. Over that weekend they defeated JWU and Ramapo in pool play, lost to SUNY New Paltz in the Gold Semifinal and then defeated D'Youville in the final match to finish third in the 12-team Invitational.

I am proud of the way we were able to overcome many of the obsticales we had to face this season. We faced more than our share of injuries but we were able to stick together and finish the season with our second consective 20-win season. Head Coach - Tim Byram

In addition to the team success this season, several players were recognized for their individual play as well. Brandon Ecker picked up his first conference honors as he was named the NECVA New England Libero of the Year and was placed on the All-New England team. Jeremy Fontaine also was named to the All-New England Team and for the second season in a row, was chosen to the AVCA All-American Second Team.

Three players finished their careers this season. Brandon Ecker, Jeremy Fontaine and Russ Friedland all finished extremely successful careers. During their tenure, the Gulls set new program records for wins and winning %, achieved their first national ranking, took their first trip to California, picked up the programs first win over Div. I and II programs and made back to back post-season appearances in the ECAC Championships.

Juniors, Eric Hunter and Mike Coflesky were a consistent force for the Gulls from the outside this season. Prior to his season ending injury, Coflesky had set personal bests in numerous categories and created matchup problems for most teams. Hunter again used his exceptional ball control to help anchor the team's serve receive in addition to be a solid spark on defense.

Sophomores, Eddie Marchand and George Chapell each made significant contributions over the season. Marchand was able to improve his consistency at the net to rack up some impressive offensive numbers while Chapell worked his way into the starting lineup during the season. Chapell's consistency at the net and strong serving became an asset throughout the year.

This year's freshman class showed why the future continues to look bright for the program. Matt Keepin joined the program as a sophomore this year and provided some spark on offense and depth at the opposite spot. Jeremy Hamel earned the starting setting spot before his season ending ankle injury sidelined him for the year. Cory Merrill and Allan DelValle each played significant defensive rolls as well as adding some ball control in serve receive. Michael Sliva and Tim Lyons also added to the depth and versatility on the bench with Sliva playing both outside and setter and Lyons picking up some time in the middle.

With Endicott chosen to host the 12-team NECVA Playoffs and another out of region trip in the works, the Gulls are already looking forward to their 2006 campaign.

Go Gulls!!