Men's Volleyball Takes Care Of VTSU-Johnson In Spring Break Double-Header

JOHNSON, VT-- The Regis men's volleyball team was on the road tonight, taking on the Badgers of VTSU-Johnson in a non-conference matchup. The Pride would make the most out of their travels winning both matches while dropping just one set. The two wins improve the Pride's record to 12-10 on the season.

Despite it being a full team effort, John Nangle would lead the offense with 13 kills on the night and Evan Shank would add eight aces.

For the Badgers, Io Binder would add 24 assists.

How It Happened 

Match 1
Regis opened the match with momentum, racing out to a 5–0 lead behind a strong service run from Evan Shank that included an ace and early kills from Jalen Watt and Adam Bonica. The Pride maintained control throughout the set, with Watt, John Nangle, and Xavier Reyes contributing key points in transition. VTSU-Johnson closed the gap midway through the frame with a short run, cutting the deficit to 21–19, but Regis responded with timely offense. Back-to-back kills from Nangle helped the Pride regain separation before an attack error by the Badgers sealed the 25–20 set win for Regis.

The second set began evenly before Regis took command with a decisive mid-set run. After the teams traded points early, Logan Shattuck sparked the Pride with consecutive service aces to give Regis the lead. From there, the Pride offense found its rhythm as Bonica and Watt delivered multiple kills. Shank also contributed from the service line with an ace during a long scoring stretch that pushed the lead to 15–8. Regis continued to apply pressure late in the set, to claim a convincing 25–15 victory.

VTSU-Johnson responded in the third set, building an early advantage and maintaining control for much of the frame. The Badgers used a strong serving run from Luke Walters and capitalized on several Pride errors to take a 13–7 lead. Regis attempted to rally behind kills from Watt, Bonica, and Nangle, gradually cutting into the deficit and pulling within two points at 21–19. However, the Badgers answered down the stretch with key kills from Io Binder and Liam Carrick to close out the set 25–22 and extend the match.

Regis bounced back with authority in the fourth set, dominating from the opening serve. Shank again led the way at the service line, helping the Pride jump out to a commanding 6–0 lead with two aces and forcing multiple Badger errors. Bonica and Nangle powered the offense throughout the set, combining for several kills as the lead quickly grew into double digits. The Pride maintained control the rest of the way, with Brandon Valdes delivering key late points to cap the performance. Regis secured the set 25–17 to close out the match and complete the four-set victory.

Match 2
Regis once again came out strong in the second match, quickly building another commanding lead. The Pride jumped out to a 7–0 advantage, highlighted by a kill from John Nangle to open the scoring. Regis continued to apply pressure with efficient offense from Jalen Watt and solid blocking, forcing several Badger errors. Although VTSU-Johnson managed to string together a few points midway through the set, the Pride never lost control. A late ace from Watt and consistent play helped Regis close the set comfortably, taking a 25–17 win.

The Pride carried their momentum into the second set, again starting quickly pushing ahead 4–0. Offensively, Haden Houatchanthara played a major role in the set, recording multiple kills as the Pride extended their lead. Watt and Alteus also contributed key points while Nangle added a service ace to keep the pressure on the Badgers. Despite a brief VTSU-Johnson push midway through the set, The Pride closed the frame with authority, claiming the set 25–15 and taking a 2–0 lead in the match.

The third set proved to be the most competitive of the match as both teams traded points throughout. After VTSU-Johnson grabbed an early lead, Regis responded with timely plays to keep the set close. Service pressure from Valdes and a late ace from Alteus helped the Pride create a small advantage late in the frame. The Badgers continued to battle, eventually tying the score at 24–24 to force extra points. In the closing moments, Regis relied on clutch plays from Nangle and Alteus before capitalizing on a Badger attack error to secure the set 29–27 and complete the sweep.

Inside the Numbers

• John Nangle's 10 kills mark his 5th match with 10 or more.
• Tonight's back-to-back wins mark a season sweep on VTSU-Johnson.

Up Next

The Pride return to Great Northeast Athletic Conference play when they travel to Wentworth on Wednesday, March 18th for a match set to start at 7pm.