MADISON, N.J. – The Drew University men's volleyball team posted its second straight sweep, knocking off local rival Saint Elizabeth University 25-18, 25-20, 25-22 on Thursday evening in Baldwin Gym.
 
The Rangers (6-4) improved their hitting percentage in each of the last two sets, including a .325 mark in the final stanza.
 
Sophomore Ephraim Smith led Drew with 10 kills while classmate Jacob Sledz posted nine kills, three aces, and nine digs. Sophomore C.J. Addeo contributed six kills, and junior Omarf Ortega-Reyes registered five kills, 24 assists, and nine digs. Freshman Jason Barbosa threw down four blocks, including one solo stuff.
 
Frank Rossi led the Eagles (2-3) with seven kills.
 
The Rangers earned their first victory over Saint Elizabeth after the Eagles claimed a 3-2 decision when the two sides met in Morristown during Drew's inaugural 2022 season.
 
Drew's last five victories have now been sweeps.
 
The Rangers never trailed in the opening set, starting the match on a 6-2 spurt and gradually pulling away.
 
Drew used another quick start in the second set, using an early 9-2 run to open up a five-point lead. The Eagles came back to make it a one-point match (15-14), but after a timeout the Rangers quickly used a 5-1 run, fueled largely by Barbosa. The first-year had a hand in all five points, firing up three kills and throwing down a pair of blocks to make it 20-15.  Saint Elizabeth was unable to get closer than three the rest of the way.
 
The final set was a back-and-forth affair, and it was tied 12-12 midway through the period. But a kill from Sledz put the Rangers in front to stay, and they would eventually lead by as much as six before the Eagles put up a late rally. But with Drew leading by two, Sledz ended the match with a kill.
 
Drew continues its five-match homestand on Saturday, when they host a tri-match, taking on New Jersey City University at 11 a.m. and King's College at 3 p.m.