ARLINGTON, Va. – Marymount University men's volleyball team fell short on Friday against No. 8 Rutgers-Newark University, but the Saints made it a close game after they honored the team's seniors. The Knights got the win in a 3-1 decision.

The Saints honored five, Ervin Harrel, Miles Olson, Raymond Tarasi, Chris Manganiello, and Jason Perkins, on Friday's Senior Night. The seniors contributed 23 kills, 21 digs, two service aces, and nine block assists in the game against Rutgers-Newark, but their impact is not limited to Friday's game alone. Tarasi contributed seven kills to the total bringing his career total to 506, Harrel added eight bringing his career total to 436, and Perkins added three for a career total of 361. Olson and Tarasi lead the Saints roster in service aces with 20 each, after they both added one against the Knights. Manganiello stepped up with nine digs and two assists which brings his career totals to 448 digs and 140 assists.

The Saints fought a close battle, with the Knights taking the first set only once they reached 27 points while the Blue and White took the second set 25-22. The Saints were unable to match the Knights attack as Rutgers-Newark took the third set 25-22. The Knights ran with their momentum and finished the game with the fourth set, which they won 25-17. 

Junior Hayden Kerekes led the Saints, along with Harrel, with eight kills and ended the game with a .727 attack percentage. Along with the seniors, sophomore Sava Topich was instrumental for the Blue and White with 24 assists, nine digs, and one service ace.

The Saints return to the court Saturday, March 19, where they host Kean University and Vassar College. The first game is scheduled to begin at 1:00pm and the second at 3:00pm.