SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - Finally hitting the court after two weather-related postponements, Rivier University was able to defeat the American International College men's volleyball team 3-1 on Wednesday, March 22.

AIC is now 2-17 on the season.

The Raiders came in swinging and hit .444 in the first set, taking it 25-18. They had the lead essentially from the outset thanks to an early 5-0 run to go ahead 10-4, and though AIC battled hard, the Yellow Jackets could not significantly cut into the deficit.

In the second, it was AIC putting the runs together. Though Rivier overcame an early 4-1 setback to get up 11-10, AIC began to put together runs, including a three-point combination to go up 18-15. Ultimately, AIC was able to put the set away by scoring seven of the final 11 points, and tied things with the 25-20 win.

The pivotal third set was a back and forth affair, as both sides knew the value of taking a 2-1 lead. AIC led 14-10 when the Raiders rallied, and they countered two more AIC runs to tie the match again 22-22. AIC did get to set point at 24-23, but three straight errors turned the set to the visitors, 26-24.

With the chance to put it away, the Raiders pounced, roaring out to an 11-2 lead. AIC could not find any consistency, and the Raiders took the set 25-15 and the match with it.

Robert Santana was AIC's leader in kills with a dozen, and also added a team-best seven digs. William Fitzpatrick notched 21 assists, while Hector Garcia Guiros made four blocks. 

The Yellow Jackets next visit Harvard University on Friday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m.