Valdes Sets New Single-Season Service Ace Record in Victory Over Dean

FRANKLIN, Mass. – Regis College Men's Volleyball wrapped up their regular season play with a 3-0 win on the road over Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) foe, Dean College.

John Nangle (Lowell, Mass.) led the Pride with eight kills, four blocks, and two service aces, while Brandon Valdes (Miami, Fla.) contributed seven kills, five digs, and two aces. Tyrell Bucasas (Waialua, Hawaii) powered the offense with 27 assists in the victory.

For the Bulldogs, Noah Allen recorded 10 kills and two blocks, while Arthur Felicio added six kills and three digs. Hunter Armitage chipped in with 20 assists, five digs, and three service aces in the effort.

How it Happened:

• The Bulldogs took control early, building a lead of up to seven points before the Pride responded with an 8-3 run to cut the deficit to 14-12. A Nangle ace tied the set at 17, but Dean quickly regained the lead. The Pride didn't pull ahead until the score reached 24-24, and three unanswered points—fueled by a pair from Valdes—secured a 26-24 first-set victory.
• The Pride controlled the set despite a late Dean rally that cut the deficit to 21-19. However, key kills from Francesco Buanne (Caserta, Italy) and Jalen Watt (South Hadley, Mass.), followed by a Valdes ace, secured the 25-19 victory.
• The Pride opened the set with six unanswered points to take an early lead. Similar to the second set, the Bulldogs battled back, closing the gap to three points twice. However, a crucial block by Nangle extended the lead to 20-14, sparking Regis to a 25-19 set win and securing the 3-0 match sweep.

Inside the Numbers:

• Brandon Valdes set a new single-season service ace record, surpassing the previous mark of 43 as his two aces brought his season total to 44.
• Four different members of the Pride recorded two service aces in the match.
• The Pride concluded their regular season with a 19-11 overall record and a 7-7 mark in GNAC play, making it the winningest regular season in program history.

Up Next:

The fourth-seeded Pride will host the first round of the GNAC Championships on Tuesday, April 8, as they welcome the fifth-seeded Rivier Raiders to Higgins Court for a 7 p.m. showdown.