SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The non-conference schedule has been tough sledding for the Johnson & Wales University men's volleyball team. The breaks didn't go the Wildcats way in their opening match on Saturday as they lost 3-0 (28-30, 24-26, 22-25) to Sage then dropped a 3-0 (14-25, 16-25, 13-25) decision to top-ranked Springfield.

Records:
Johnson & Wales: 9-11 

Statistical Leaders:
Kanila Chang (JWU): 11 kills, 6 digs
Matt McCarthy (JWU): 10 kills
Cameron Ponce (JWU): 34 assists, 4 digs

Of Note:  
JWU had three set points in the opening frame against Sage, but couldn't come through with that final point to put the set away. A service error and a kill gave the Gators the first set. Rookie Matt McCarthy (Millis, Mass.) tied the second set with a kill, but Sage pulled away with two-straight kills to take the second stanza.

Two Wildcats reached double-digit kills with Kanila Chang (Orlando, Fla.) leading the way with 11 to go along with team-highs of six kills and four blocks. McCarthy was next with 10 winners. Setter Cameron Ponce (San Jose, Calif.) dished out 34 assists.

Springfield showed why it's the top-ranked team in the country as it took control early in each set. The Pride hit .424 compared to -.085 by the Wildcats.

Up Next:
The Wildcats are back on the court March 11 when they host Dean, Illinois Tech and Eastern Nazarene for a quad match.