Shank Reaches 2,000 Assists as Pride Sweep AIC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — With his 35th assist of the afternoon, Evan Shank reached a major milestone, recording his 2,000th career assist on his way to finishing with 38 in a 3–0 sweep over American International College (AIC). The victory moves the Pride to an even 10–10 on the season.

In addition to Shank's playmaking, Adam Bonica tallied 11 kills, three service aces, and five digs, while John Nangle added 11 kills of his own while hitting .677 and contributing three blocks.

Armani Anderson led the Yellowjackets with eight kills, and Emil Zhmaidziak matched him with eight of his own. Aidan Miller dished out 30 assists in the effort.

How It Happened

After the first few possessions, the Pride grabbed their first lead since the third point when they scored three unanswered. A kill from Jalen Watt sparked the run, which was bookended by a Watt service ace to give the Pride a 14-13 advantage. The Yellowjackets quickly regained control and held a narrow lead until the Pride closed the set on an 8–2 run. Powered by four kills and three service aces, the surge gave the Pride a 25-22 win in the opening set.

The Pride used a series of runs to begin the second set, with several players contributing to build a 16–11 lead. Adam Bonica led the stretch with three kills. AIC battled back and pulled within one twice (18–17, 19–18), but a Bonica kill helped spark the Pride late. John Nangle then finished the set with a block assist alongside Watt and a final kill to secure the 25–19 victory and a 2–0 match lead.

A handful of early kills helped the Pride take a 5–2 lead in the third set, but AIC fought back and took an 11–10 advantage after a kill from Emil Zhmaidziak. The Yellowjackets maintained a slim lead as the Pride continued to respond, tying the set multiple times. The match was evened at 20–20 when Watt delivered a kill off a set from Shank for his 2,000th career assist. Both teams traded points down the stretch before Bonica recorded a pair of late kills to lift the Pride to a 25–23 win and complete the 3-0 sweep.

Inside the Numbers

• With his 35th assist of the day, Evan Shank surpassed the 2,000-assist mark for his collegiate career. He recorded 1,384 assists at Fullerton College, with the remaining 616-plus coming in the Crimson and Gold, making him the third player in program history to reach the milestone.
• John Nangle's .667 hitting percentage marks his best performance this season when recording double-digit kills.

Up Next

The Pride have a quick turnaround, traveling to Vermont State Johnson tomorrow for a doubleheader scheduled for 5 and 7 p.m.