When and Where:
April 11, 2026 – Patchogue, NY (John A. Danzi Center)
Result:
The top-seeded St. Joseph's University, New York (L.I.) men's volleyball team captured its fifth consecutive Skyline Conference Championship with a commanding 3-0 sweep of #3 Manhattanville on Saturday morning.
Records:
#1 St. Joseph's (L.I.) 20-9, 14-0 Skyline
#2 Manhattanville 11-14, 9-5 Skyline
Top Performers:
- Chris Sarnicola led a balanced Golden Eagles attack with 11 kills, five total blocks, a service ace and nine digs.
- Shaun Mischler added nine kills while hitting an efficient .320, along with seven digs and three blocks
- AJ Esposito contributed seven kills and a match-high six total blocks, anchoring the defense at the net.
- Setter Dominic Ruggiero dished out 33 assists and added 11 digs for a double-double effort.
- Libero Connor Ruais recorded a team-high 11 digs to pace the back row.
How it Happened:
- The Golden Eagles set the tone early in the opening frame, using strong blocking and Manhattanville miscues to build a steady lead. St. Joseph's maintained control throughout, closing out the set 25-15 behind efficient hitting and disciplined defense.
- Set two proved more competitive early on, with both teams trading points through the midway mark. Clinging to a narrow advantage, the Golden Eagles strung together a key run fueled by timely kills from Sarnicola and Mischler, along with dominant net play from Esposito and Chase Meyer. The surge allowed SJLI to pull away late and secure a 25-18 victory for a 2-0 match lead.
- In the third set, Manhattanville battled to keep the match alive and kept things tight deep into the frame. However, St. Joseph's composure showed in the closing points, as a late push highlighted by clutch swings and strong defensive plays sealed a 25-20 win and the championship sweep.
Notes:
- St. Joseph's (L.I.) hit .255 as a team while holding Manhattanville to .081 hitting
- The Golden Eagles totaled 48 digs and 13 team blocks, compared to just two blocks by the Valiants
Up Next:
The Golden Eagles advance to the NCAA Div. III Regional Tournament and will learn their opponent during the selection show scheduled for Monday, April 14, at 10:00 am.
