FAIRFIELD, CONN. — The Sacred Heart University Men's Volleyball Team defeated Manhattan University in a dramatic five-set match on Saturday night at the Pitt Center. The contest was filled with momentum swings, intense rallies, challenges and animated play from both teams.
Records:
Sacred Heart (2-2)
Manhattan (2-3)
Top Performers:
Aleksa Mandic - 17 kills
Armaan Dosanjh: 45 assists
How It Happened:
Sacred Heart started the match strong in the first set. Aleksa Mandic and Armaan Dosanjh delivered early kills, and the Pioneers capitalized on Manhattan attack errors to stay competitive. Zach Flynn added a kill, while Petr Beranek contributed with some timely attacks in the middle of the set. Austin Buchanan and Ben Lillie helped secure points at the net with blocks and solid serving, putting extra pressure on Manhattan. In the closing moments, Mandic, Dosanjh, and Flynn came through with key kills to take the set 25-23.
The Pioneers carried their momentum into the second set. Mandic and Flynn started with quick kills, and Dosanjh and Beranek maintained a steady offensive rhythm. Lillie and Buchanan added value with strong serves and blocks, forcing errors from Manhattan. Sacred Heart stayed within striking distance throughout the set, and Mandic and Flynn finished with clutch kills to secure a 25-19 win.
In the third set, Sacred Heart got off to another fast start. Mandic and Flynn scored consecutive kills, and points off Manhattan service errors helped the Pioneers build an early lead. Dosanjh and Beranek continued to contribute important attacks, while Harryzen Soares and Lillie provided strong serves and defensive plays that kept the team in control. Mandic finished the set with critical kills but Manhattan closed it out 25-19.
Manhattan pushed back in the fourth set, but Sacred Heart stayed competitive. Mandic, Flynn, and Dosanjh scored early, and Beranek added key points in the middle of the set. Soares and Lillie put pressure on Manhattan with serves and blocks, and Buchanan made important contributions at the net. Sacred Heart pulled ahead late, winning the set 25-22 and forcing a decisive fifth set.
The fifth set was intense from the start. Sacred Heart jumped ahead with kills from Mandic, Dosanjh, and Flynn. Points off Manhattan errors and strong serves from Beranek helped the Pioneers maintain control. Lillie, Buchanan, and Soares contributed with clutch attacks and solid defense to keep the lead. In the final stretch, Mandic, Dosanjh and Flynn delivered the key kills that sealed the set 23-21 and earned Sacred Heart the match victory.
Of Note:
- Sacred Heart earns their first D1 win this season.
Up Next:
Sacred Heart will battle the Yellow Jackets of AIC on Tuesday, January 27th at 8pm in the Pitt Center.
