By Sophia Tozzi
The Springfield College men’s volleyball team swept both St. Joseph’s University of Long Island and Baruch College. In the crowd of Blake Arena, parents were dressed in Maroon Hawaiian shirts with the faces of the eight volleyball seniors being honored.
The seniors recognized included Richard Eber Jr., AJ Seveland, Jake DesLauriers, Evan Costley, Carter Durivage, Will Kirchoff, Dylan Mulvaney, and Nathan Goh. Durivage, DesLauriers, and Mulvaney were the top hitters of the match and helped lead the Pride to victory.
Outside hitter Carter Durivage recorded 10 kills and 4 digs, proving his point that the team’s enthusiasm and close relationships drive its success on the court; “Relationships are the biggest thing on our team. Everybody is so close with each other,” Durivage stated, “that’s why we do so well in games.”
Setter Dylan Mulvaney also had a stand-out performance with 29 assists, two aces, and two blocks. Mulvaney described today’s senior day as an amazing experience. After forcing timeouts from Baruch and putting kills on the board, he reflected on the bonds formed because of Springfield College.
“The seniors, when I was a freshman, and all the classes in between have been such a good friend group and brotherhood, as well as the coaching staff,” Mulvaney said.
Sophomore middle blocker Tyler Williams has shown his admiration for the seniors that he has been surrounded by during his time on the team. Because of how the seniors lead by example, Williams has learned how to become his finest, most authentic self. From observing their leadership, he hopes that, when his time comes as a senior, he will embody the leadership, commitment, and selflessness that the current seniors embody.
When reflecting on their early volleyball careers, both seniors credited their mothers as their major sources of support.
“There are too many people, but I’m a mama’s boy at the end of the day, so I got to shout out my mom,” said Mulvaney, “she was a volleyball player in the same position as I was, and she’s my rock.”
Support from inside and outside the team has helped the Pride create a close brotherhood-like bond. Every unique relationship with different members of the team allows them to stand out and inspire players, including sophomore setter Domino Wishart. Wishart states, “they’ve all meant something to me in their own way.”
Other seniors, including Evan Costley, Jake DesLauriers, and AJ Seveland, have inspired younger teammates by showing them how to become leaders while remaining authentic to themselves on and off the court.
Being aware that time flies is a piece of advice Durivage wants his underclassmen teammates to remember: “I know that all the seniors said that, but it really does,” he said. “I never thought that I would have gotten to senior year this fast.”
Before the sweep against Baruch College, the Pride also faced St. Joseph’s University of Long Island in game one of the tri-match, which resulted in a sweep (25-22, 25-16, 22-13). Star seniors of that game included Seveland, with 15 blocks, Costley with 9 kills, and Goh with 6 kills.
In game two against Baruch, the Pride battled through three sets before completing their second sweep of the day. Eventually, the Pride won 25-21, 25-23, and 25-22. These two victories topped off a memorable senior day, while recognizing what it is to be a part of the Pride.
Senior day is an important day for families and athletes. This day is not only about honoring their athletic accomplishments but also their academic achievements. It also creates a greater sense of community and pride in the Springfield College Men’s Volleyball team.
Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics