PURCHASE, NY – The Purchase College men's volleyball said farewell to its four of its best on Sunday, honoring three-year starters
Joe Higgins and
Jeremiah Huntt, along with first-years Dan McDounough and
Ben Erkan, with a Skyline Senior Day tri-match.
Purchase (7-15, 6-8 SKY) opened the day with a 3-1 (14-25, 10-25, 25-23, 9-25) loss to league powerhouse Ramapo College before cruising to a 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 26-24) sweep over Yeshiva University in the nightcap. Ramapo won the neutral site match against Yeshiva in three sets.
Higgins (Baypath, NY) paced the Panther offense over the two matches, netting a combined 27 kills, including a .406 hitting clip against Yeshiva. Huntt (Bronx, NY) was next in line with 24 kills, to go along with a team-high 20 digs. Freshman middle blocker
Marcus Garguilo (Port Washington, NY) finished nine kills and just a single error on 26 attempts for a notable .327 attacking percentage over the five total sets. He also led the team in blocks with five solo and two assist. Junior setter
Idris Idris (Bronx, NY) tossed up a combined 58 assists.
Prior to Purchase's match against Yeshiva—the regular season finale for both teams—the Panthers honored its four seniors by welcoming family and friends onto the court for a Senior Day celebration.
From head coach Ryan Cole...
"Huntt has been an incredible player for the last 3 years playing both outside and right side. His consistency and leadership both on and off the court have helped lead the success this program has had during his time here. Outside of volleyball, Huntt is a huge asset to our athletic department as a student worker and is well respected by other student athletes as well as the entire athletic staff. Huntt will be graduating with a degree in literature and a minor in studio production in May."
"Higgins has had a multitude of hats during his time with our program. When needed in his sophomore season, while being a true outside, Higgins stepped up to fill our need as a middle during the COVID shortened season which demonstrates how great of a teammate he is. His enthusiasm and determination to not only get better himself, but to bring the best out of his teammates will be missed. Higgins has also had a presence in the athletic department, working for both the sports information and intramural departments."
"McDonough is also a first year player for the team and his ability to step up into any scenario and succeed has played a huge part in the teams success this season. McDonough, when not at practice or playing volleyball is a regular in our fitness center at 8 am sharp everyday, and also enjoys playing baseball and working on his Jeep. McDonough will be graduating with a degree in graphic design this May."
"Erkan is a first-year player for the team and immediately brought energy and enthusiasm to the program. He's the person giving 110%, regardless of the scenario. A 4 sport athlete here at Purchase as well as the go-to student worker for anything facilities and operation, Erkan has a presence and aura about him that will be missed—not only by the men's volleyball program, but by the entire athletic department. He will graduate this May with a degree in psychology."
