Manhattan looks to use this win as momentum going into playoffs.
GOJASPERS.COM / COURTESY
Zeke Jazwinski Sports Editor
Manhattan University’s men’s volleyball has had a strong finish to their first inaugural regular season. This has been a solid first season for the Jaspers – after a shaky start, they picked up steam by sweeping FDU and D’Youville. These wins helped to steer the ship in the right direction. Starting a new sports program can be challenging, and picking up wins against programs that have been around are a huge help to establishing the team. The Jaspers hope to use this as momentum to keep on building from this season and be even more successful in years to come.
Men’s volleyball has been one of the fastest growing sports, according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association. “For the 2024-25 academic year, the NFHS reports 95,972 total boys volleyball players participated in high school volleyball. This amount is up 10,717 from last year for a 12.57% growth.”
It’s no surprise with Manhattan University looking to grow and compete, that men’s volleyball would be introduced to the university. The talent and interest are apparent, and so this was a great job by the university to seize the opportunity with the sport. The Jaspers have been traveling all around the country, competing in their first season. As the sport continues to grow, the Jaspers will be able to host more games at home in Draddy Gymnasium.
The Jaspers looked to close out their last home game with a win against Saint Francis on Saturday. According to GoJaspers, “The Red Flash shrank its deficit to as little as two. Still, a service error and a kill from Patchell were the deciding factors for the Green and White securing a much-needed victory and snapping a three-match losing skid in conference play.”
Wins like the one against St. Francis can really help build the program. The Red Flash were one of the top teams in the conference, so to see the Jaspers be able to compete and win against them helps build recognition for the program’s efforts. The Jaspers get to let this win soak in as they have a two-week break before they play the Red Hawks of the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore. The Jaspers will hope to keep that momentum rolling in that game and carry it over to the NEC Men’s Volleyball Championship later this month.
The Jaspers currently sit in third place, only trailing St. Francis and FDU, two teams the Jaspers have previously beaten. A big reason for the success is the rookies. According to NEC Sports, “Freshmen Xander Horst recorded 7 total blocks (2.33 blocks per set) and also added 5 kills (1.67 kills per set) while hitting .333 in a 2-0 week for the Jaspers.”
The Jaspers may be a team built with young players who have, for the most part, never stepped onto a collegiate volleyball court before, but they are making noise in the conference. The step up in speed and strength hasn’t been too much for the young guys to handle. The Jaspers have proven throughout the season that they can battle with the top teams, and they are getting hot at the right time.