By: Jennifer Jones
Director of Sports Information
jonesj@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net
HUNTINGDON, Pa. – No. 1 Juniata College men's volleyball closed out its regular season with a commanding 3-0 win over Continental Volleyball Conference (CVC) opponent Cairn University Saturday afternoon in the Kennedy Sports+Recreation Center. It was senior day for the Eagles who improved to 24-4 overall.
"Everyone played well," said head coach Pat Shawaryn. "A lot of people were able to play."
The win was a team effort with multiple Eagles recording kills. Senior Alex McColgin (Buffalo, N.Y./Hamburg) led all attackers with team-highs of eight kills and two service aces. Sophomores Matt Elias (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn) and Carlos Faccio (Guaynabo, P.R./San Ignacio) split time running the offense. The pair combined for 32 assists.
And freshman Kyle Seeley (Ellicott City, Md./Howard) was a stone wall at the net, collecting a match and career-best eight blocks.
Juniata now begins preparation from the 2014 CVC Tournament. The reigning conference champions head into the postseason with a 9-1 league record. This year's tournament is being hosted by Thiel College and runs April 12-13.
Senior Day
Prior to the match, the Eagles recognized their four seniors: McColgin, Ross Madden (Richmond, Va./Deep Run), Ben Krouse (Holland, Pa./Council Rock South), and Matt Johann.
"Giving all of them a hug today, I got teary eyed," said Shawaryn. "They're the first group. It will be weird not seeing them next year. Couldn't ask for a better group of senior leaders."
Johann has been with the team for four years. Despite never donning a jersey, he has been instrumental in the Eagles success, working with statistics and game film. Coach Shawaryn described him as spirited, enthusiastic, and determined.
Krouse has appeared in all but four matches this season. His reliable play on the back line has been a steadying force for the Eagles defense over the past four years. He has over 300 sets played and has averaged nearly 0.90 digs per set during his career. A two time CVC All-Academic Team member, he plans to graduate with a degree in biology. Coach Shawaryn describes him as intelligent, team oriented, and respectful.
Whether at the net or behind the service line, Madden is an attacking specialist. He recorded a career-best seven service aces against Hilbert College earlier this year, the most by any Juniata player in a single match in over 14 years. He has 70 career service aces and has taken a staggering 2,250 total attacks. A 2013 CVC All-Tournament selection, he has nearly 500 career digs. Coach Shawaryn describes him as unique, gifted, and brilliant.
McColgin has amassed incredible numbers in only three years on the court. He boasts a .284 career attack percentage while averaging over three kills per set. In the Eagles upset of No. 1 Springfield last year, he earned a career-high 27 kills and grabbed a career-best 11 digs. Coach Shawaryn describes him as athletic, overpowering, and humble.
The foursome helped Juniata consistently remain among the top ranked teams in the country. In their four years, the Eagles have won over 90 games, gone 30-3 against conference opponents, made it to the national quarterfinals twice and won a conference championship. Not only have they helped Juniata be among the best, they've helped the Eagles beat the best and have a 26-20 career record against ranked teams.
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