Things are looking up for the men's volleyball team. The Big Green picked up their first win at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Tuesday and played their most exciting game of the season against Harvard University Friday in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Jeremy Longinotti '96 was instrumental in the come-from-behind 3-0 victory over MIT.
"He helped spark the team with some key hits late in the game," Co-captain Doug Scott '94 said.
Other young players have pitched in impressive performances to the Big Green effort.
"Rick Fasani '96 has been the most consistent player for the whole season," Co-captain Alex Szidon '94 said. "He's shown great hustle and great morale, not to mention some great swinging. I hope teams keep serving to him."
Colin Gorman '97, who had no former volleyball experience, now starts on the six-man squad.
The team, though young, underfunded and uncoached, is positive about its future.
"We've been the best passing team we've seen yet. Our serving has been erratic and our defense has been inconsistent," Scott said. "Passing and defense are the most important factors for winning. We have half of the recipe."
At Thursday's match against Harvard, the fans were treated to four straight games during which the score was tied at 13-13, with each team trying to reach 15 to win by a margin of two. Unfortunately, the big points went to the Crimson in a 15-13, 16-14, 13-15, 15-13 Dartmouth loss.
"It was an exciting match," Scott said. "There were a lot of side-outs. The difference was a couple of points but that is what the game is all about."
Alika Romanchak '96, the setter for the team, had an outstanding performance.
"His choice of set was immaculate," Scott said. "He read the right matchups along the net, showing great composure and leadership in keeping the team focused."
The position that Romanchak plays is often considered the most demanding and important position on the court.
"The setter is analogous to the quarterback on a football team," Szidon explained. "He calls the play based on his read of the defense, receives the ball and sets to the player who will eventually spike the ball across the net."
The team will travel to Roger Williams College in Rhode Island for a tournament this weekend.
