BENNINGTON, Vt. - The Southern Vermont men's volleyball hosted New England Collegiate Conference foe Elms College succumbing in 3 sets 7-30, 10-30, and 10-30. The Mountaineers were led by Cory Hightower (Hartford, Conn.) with three kills; while the Blazers Alberto Bravo posted a game high eight kills.

SVC falls to 2-13 overall and 0-12 in the Conference. Regardless of stats the Mountaineers are staying positive as their game improves more and more each match.

"The numbers won't show it, but our development over the past few days has been fantastic," said Head Coach Tim Cole. "Sean Moore (Upper Marlboro, Md.) is attacking at a higher level every day, and we need to find a way to get him the ball more often. Cory Hightower's transition game is smoothing itself out."

Elms improved to 14-11 overall and 9-4 in the NECC. Jesus Echevarria led the Blazers with 15 assists and Ivan Andujar was not far behind him with 13. Andujar led Elms with seven digs as well. Mountaineer setter Ricky Harrington (North Adams, Mass.) had a team high five assists.

Neel Patel (Bennington, Vt.) got his first block assist of the year when he went up with Harrington in the final set of the night. The Blazers tallied five blocks total in the match.

Southern Vermont's season quickly coming to an end with a NECC Tri-Match against Lesley University and Newbury College away on Saturday. And they will close out the season with a home match next Wednesday, March 25, against NECC foe Daniel Webster College at 7:00 p.m.

"We've got a big weekend coming up- with two days of training we'll be ready," said Coach Cole.