Shank Sets Single-Season Assist Record in Sweep of Emerson

BOSTON, Mass. — The Regis College men's volleyball team secured a 3-0 sweep over Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) foe Emerson College to close out their regular season at 15-14 overall and 2-5 in conference play, solidifying their spot in the GNAC postseason.

For the Pride, Jalen Watt led the offense with a match-high 11 kills while adding eight digs and two blocks, while Adam Bonica matched him with 11 kills on an efficient .391 hitting percentage. John Nangle contributed eight kills and three total blocks, and Evan Shank directed the attack with 30 assists to go along with seven digs and three total blocks. Defensively, Haden Houatchanthara paced the team with a match-high nine digs.

For Emerson, Mario Cielo-Salinas led the offense with 11 kills while adding three digs, while Riley Goldman and Cade Ott each finished with five kills. Ott also recorded a team-high 10 digs, and Ryan Chen ran the offense with 19 assists while adding five digs.

How it Happened

Regis jumped out to an early 4-0 lead before Emerson responded with a 4-0 run to even the set. The Pride regained control midway through, but Emerson briefly moved ahead 14-13 behind a strong stretch from Cade Ott and Mario Cielo-Salinas. After several late ties, Regis pulled away with key kills from Brandon Valdes and Adam Bonica, along with strong play at the net, to take set one, 25-21.

In set two, Regis again established an early advantage, building a 10-6 lead behind strong contributions from Jalen Watt and Adam Bonica, along with a service ace from Vincent Betonio. Emerson trimmed the margin midway through, but the Pride answered with a steady run fueled by Xavier Reyes and Valdes to extend the lead. Regis maintained control down the stretch, closing out the set 25-19 to go ahead 2-0 in the match.

Regis delivered its most dominant performance in set three, using a balanced offensive attack and strong net play to pull away early. After a competitive start, the Pride turned a 6-5 lead into a 10-6 advantage and continued to build momentum behind kills from Bonica, John Nangle, and Valdes, in addition to another service ace from Betonio. Regis stretched its lead to 16-9 and later 20-12, with Watt and Xavier Reyes anchoring the defense at the net. The Pride finished strong, cruising to a 25-13 set win to complete the sweep.

Inside the Numbers

• With 30 assists on the afternoon, Evan Shank set a new single-season assist record for the Crimson and Gold with 884, surpassing the previous mark of 870.
• The win extends the Pride's win streak against the Lions to three and moves their overall record to 10-10.

Up Next

The Pride will travel on Tuesday, April 7 for the first round of the GNAC Tournament, with more information to be announced.