2/3/2026
UNION, N.J. — The NJAC men’s volleyball conference format is already delivering meaningful early-season pressure, and Tuesday night saw Kean make one of the first major moves in the race.
The Cougars earned a straight-set win over New Jersey City University, sweeping the Gothic Knights 25-20, 25-20, 25-19 at Harwood Arena. With the victory, Kean puts itself firmly in control of its own destiny. After the sweep, the Cougars now sit in a position where two more wins could secure the NJAC conference title in the four-team group.
Balanced Kean Attack Sets the Tone
Kean delivered an efficient offensive performance throughout the night, hitting .304 as a team and applying steady pressure in every rotation. Chris Mitchell was the match’s top offensive weapon, finishing with 13 kills on an outstanding .419 hitting percentage. He added two service aces and four block assists as Kean dictated play at the net.
Aidan Flinn backed him up with a strong two-way outing, posting 10 kills while also contributing nine digs and four total blocks. Danny Pugliano chipped in eight kills on .375 efficiency, and Caden Krzyzak added seven kills while playing a major role defensively with five total blocks.
Setter David Flores guided the offense smoothly, racking up 40 assists as Kean kept its attack balanced across the pins and middle.
Tyler Quinn Anchors the Defense
While Kean’s offense grabbed the spotlight, the defensive backbone was just as critical. Tyler Quinn turned in an elite night in the back row, recording 14 digs in only three sets. His ability to extend rallies and win second-chance points gave Kean consistent control in transition.
That kind of defensive production becomes a separator in tight NJAC matches, especially as the conference schedule builds toward March.
NJCU Shows Fight, But Kean Owns the Net
NJCU had bright spots offensively. Solomon Brown led the Gothic Knights with nine kills while hitting a remarkable .571, and Amaru Perales added eight kills. Victor De Souza chipped in six kills on .333 efficiency.
Still, Kean’s control at the net proved decisive. The Cougars consistently slowed NJCU’s offense with disciplined blocking and finished with 12 block assists, preventing the Gothic Knights from gaining momentum in any set.
The Full Picture: Kean and Rutgers-Newark in Front
With opening wins now on the board for both Kean and Rutgers-Newark, the early standings make one thing clear. Both programs control their own destiny in the NJAC race.
The match that may ultimately decide the title could come later in March in Newark when Kean and Rutgers-Newark meet in what is shaping up as the probable defining showdown. But there is still a lot of volleyball left before then.
Ramapo currently appears to be the weaker side of the four-team group, but early-season impressions can shift quickly once teams settle into rotations and conference pressure builds.
A Philosophy Under Coach Bez Arslani
For Kean, this sweep was more than just a February win. It was a composed, complete performance that reflected the standard Coach Bez Arslani continues to build in Union… efficient offense, disciplined blocking, and a defense anchored by relentless effort. As Coach says often, play each point as if its your last.
Kean has made its move early.
And the NJAC race is officially underway.
