MVB: Lasers Beat AIC in 5 Set Thriller

Newton, MA- The Lasell University men's volleyball team faced American International College on Wednesday evening and delivered a commanding 3-2 win. 

Lasell came out sharp and in control from the opening serve, jumping out to an early 3–0 lead behind back-to-back kills from Jasper Schultz and a strong block by Paten Buckwalter. The Lasers steadily widened the gap with efficient side-out play, getting consistent offense from Matthew Mitko and Buckwalter while the block slowed AIC's middle attack. A late Lasell surge turned a six-point cushion into a commanding advantage, and Schultz capped the set as Lasell closed strong to take the opener 25–18.

The second set was tightly contested early, featuring several ties through the opening stretch, but Lasell took control midway. Mitko and Nathaniel Cobuzzi delivered key kills, while Branch Barnes added a service ace during a decisive run that pushed Lasell ahead 15–10. From there, they maintained pressure at the net, forcing Yellow Jacket errorss. A late ace from Schultz helped seal the set as Lasell extended its lead with a 25–17 win.

AIC responded in the third set, gaining control but Lasell stayed within striking distance behind kills from Mitko and Remy Cahalan, but AIC's offense found rhythm late. Despite a brief Lasell rally that trimmed the deficit, AIC pulled away down the stretch to take the set 25–20, cutting the match to 2–1.

The fourth set was the most dramatic of the match, featuring multiple lead changes and long rallies. The Yellow Jackets used a strong serving run to grab early momentum, but the Lasers responded with a push behind Barnes, Mitko, and Schultz to even the score at 16–16. Both teams traded points late, reaching set point on multiple occasions. In the end, AIC capitalized on a final Lasell attack error to edge out a 26–24 win and force a deciding fifth set.

Lasell left no doubt in the fifth. The Lasers exploded out of the gate with a 4–0 run, fueled by blocks from Mitko and Buckwalter and clean execution in transition. Schultz and Mitko continued to terminate swings as Lasell built a commanding 10–1 advantage. Strong net defense sealed the deal, and Lasell closed the match emphatically 15–7 to secure the five-set victory. 

Up Next- The Lasers will be back in action hosting Curry College on Friday January 23 at 7:00PM.