SALEM, Va. – The Endicott men's volleyball team fell to Benedictine (Ill.), 3-0, by scores of 25-23, 25-22, and 25-20 on Wednesday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the Salem Civic Center.
Bryn Lipton (Rockford, Ill.) led Endicott's attack with 12 kills (.241).
Gabe Felicetti (Charlestown, R.I.) also added seven putaways, while Rafa Robert (San Juan, Puerto Rico) notched five and Erich Roman (Glastonbury, Conn.) had four to highlight the rest of the offense.
Meanwhile, Gabe DeBenedetto (Rockford, Ill.) ran the attack behind 29 assists (.341).
Tonight's match did not have the true feel of a sweep, however, as Benedictine always seemed to have an answer for an Endicott run late in the match as the Eagles turned away the Gulls at 20-19 in set one, 20-20 and 22-21 in set two, and 23-17 in set three.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Set two featured five ties and one lead change.
- With tonight's victory, Benedictine evened up the all-time series against Endicott at 1-1.
- The Gulls were the first team at the College to win a conference championship and make the NCAA Tournament since returning to play from last spring due to COVID-19.
- Benedictine made its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance today (program established in 2015).
- Endicott made its seventh NCAA Tournament appearance in program history tonight (2013-17, 2019, 2021)
WHAT'S NEXT
Benedictine (14-3) takes on Lancaster Bible tomorrow in the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals at 7:30 PM (EST). Endicott sees its 2021 season come to a close at 9-4 overall.
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(Photo Credit - Mike Tripp/Sideline Media) | BOX SCORE
