Andrew Mannion Senior Writer
In just their third game as a program, the Manhattan University (MU) men’s volleyball team secured its first win in program history. In the final game of the two against Harvard, the Jaspers won in straight sets: 25-18, 28-26 and 25-23.
In the first set, MU found itself in the driver’s seat early. Points from outside hitters Kasen Owens and Sam Morreale allowed the Jaspers to keep a healthy lead in a back-and-forth game all the way to 11-6. Soon after, Harvard trimmed the lead to three at 13-10. The Jaspers responded with a 6-0 run, with a service ace from opposite Blake Perkins growing the lead to nine points. Late kills from Owens helped the Jaspers close out the first set, 25-18.
The second set began with Harvard finding its groove. The Crimson took the first two points of the set and soon after surged to secure nine of the next 11 points. Down six, MU wouldn’t back down. On the back of two service aces from Perkins, the Jaspers gained momentum and brought the game to an even 24-24. Harvard broke the tie and moved within one point of taking the set before MU won four of the next five points to take the set, 28-26.
The third set saw the Crimson and Jaspers trading points until Harvard led 7-6. The Jaspers jumped out to a four-point lead soon after, winning six of the next seven points. Harvard battled back to tie the game at 22-22. Kills from Owens and freshman Kai Patchell sent the Jaspers to their first win in program history.
After dropping a game to Harvard the day prior, this was a resounding rebound performance for the team. With just a couple of games under its belt, this win spoke to the team and what it has in store. Owens spoke to The Quadrangle about what he felt had to happen for the Jaspers to win against Harvard.
“I feel like as a whole team we came in with a different mentality after the loss the day prior,” Owens said. “Everyone came with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove, including me, which I believe helped drive us to our successes.”
As cohesively as the team played together, the players, as individuals, also played astoundingly well in the win. Perkins was a points machine against Harvard, leading the Jaspers with 14.5 points, including 10 kills and four service aces, as a freshman. Perkins said he has become more comfortable with each passing game.
“We were able to throw Harvard out of system and funnel most of their attacks to a defender,” Perkins said. “I think I’m starting to hit my stride and finding confidence on the court, thanks to my teammates and coaches.”
The win became even more impressive given the roster construction. With the majority of the team in its freshman season, the Jaspers are projected to improve with each game. Head coach Chris Schortgen spoke about what the win means, for not just the players’ development but also the team’s current skill.
“This historic win for our program is a step in the right direction for our young players,” Schortgen said. “Accomplishing this with four freshmen on the court vs. an established program gives us confidence that we are ready to compete and work toward our goals.”
With the season just beginning, there is plenty of potential on top of what the team has already accomplished. The Jaspers realize what they can truly accomplish after this win and have made it clear they will continue to build on it.
“The goal is the same for us,” Schortgen said. “Believe in each other, believe in our future and work together toward building the best men’s volleyball program in the country.”