1/10/2026
The Regis (Mass.) men’s volleyball team opened their 2025-26 season with an emphatic statement, sweeping Elms 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-22) on January 9, 2026, at Picknelly Arena in Chicopee, Mass. The non-conference victory showcased the Pride’s offensive balance, defensive tenacity, and composure under pressure, establishing early momentum as they improved to 1-0.
Balanced Attack Powers Regis Offense
Regis dominated at the net with 35 kills on 85 attacks and just 14 errors for a .247 hitting percentage. The Pride spread the wealth effectively, with five players recording 5 or more kills.
Brandon Valdes (#15) paced the attack with 9 kills, delivering clutch swings from the outside and sealing the third set with authority. Jalen Watt (#13) matched his offensive production with 8 kills while anchoring the back row with 10 digs, earning recognition for his complete performance. Eddie Djatcha (#9) proved nearly unstoppable with 8 kills at a blistering .500 clip, while John Nangle (#17) added 5 kills (also .500), 3 blocks, and a match-high 4 service aces in a dominant all-around display. Adam Bonica (#10) contributed 5 kills at .231.
Setter Evan Shank (#7) orchestrated the attack with surgical precision, distributing 33 assists to create high-percentage opportunities across all rotations. His ability to keep Elms’ defense off balance proved crucial throughout the match.
Defensive Excellence Stifles Elms
Regis’ back row proved equally impressive, with Thomas McCarthy (#11) leading the way with 10 digs. Combined with Watt’s 10, the duo accounted for 20 of the team’s 36 digs, extending rallies and neutralizing Elms’ offensive threats. The Pride’s blocking presence (4.0 total blocks) and aggressive serving (9 aces) further disrupted Elms’ rhythm while keeping service errors manageable at 12.
Elms Battles but Can’t Break Through
Despite the straight-set defeat, Elms showed resilience, particularly in a competitive third set where they rallied from behind to tie at 21-21 before Regis closed out the match. However, 17 attack errors limited their offensive efficiency to just .089 on 79 swings.
Nick Uschmann (#13) and Joe Culhane (#9) led Elms with 6 kills apiece. Uschmann added 3 digs, 2 block assists, and 1 assist, while Culhane contributed 4 digs and 2 assists. Rafa Artero chipped in 4 kills, an ace, a dig, and an assist, while Xavier Lozado tallied 3 kills and 3 digs.
Defensively, John Bellafronte anchored the net with 3 blocks and 2 digs while adding 1 kill. Chris Bousquet led all players with 11 digs, keeping balls alive throughout the match. Setters David Dzhenzherukha (8 assists, 3 kills, 1 dig) and Hunter Ladouceur (7 assists, 3 digs, 1 kill) distributed effectively despite the pressure. Additional service aces came from Artero, John Centeno Pagan (1 kill, 1 ace, 1 dig), and Yazhua Marin Valentin (1 ace).
Elms finished with 3.0 blocks and 29 digs but was hampered by 9 service errors and 1 ball-handling error that Regis capitalized on effectively.
Looking Ahead
This opening victory provides Regis with both confidence and evidence of their depth heading into their home opener against Curry College on January 14 at 7 p.m. With contributions spanning the entire roster and efficiency across all phases of the game, the Pride appear poised for a strong GNAC campaign.
Go Pride!