BETHLEHEM, Pa. - In a match dominated by momentum swings, the top-seeded Northampton men's volleyball team outlasted 2nd seeded Ocean County College, 3-2, to capture the Region 19 Championship on Saturday afternoon at the Arthur L. Scott Center. 

The Spartans looked dominating in taking the first two sets, 25-18 and 25-16, but the defending champion Vikings would not quit, fighting back to take the 3rd set  28-26 and the 4th 25-22, setting up the decisive 5th set, where the Spartans prevailed 15-13.

"What a match," remarked Head Coach Rachael Aquila, "I have to give credit to Ocean, they never quit, they pushed us to our limit, but the guys responded and were able to fight thru the adversity and capture the title."

Tournament MVP Ramon Romero (San Pedro Sula, Hondurus/Liceo Billingue (HN)) tallied 23 kills and 14 digs, John Nice (Feasterville, PA/Neshaminy) added 15 kills and 12 digs and Alex Schoenen (Northampton, PA/Northampton) recorded 10 kills, 14 digs, 5 solo blocks and 6 block assists. 

The Spartans capture the Region 19 Championship in their first season of eligibility, after playing their inaugural season in 2023 as a club team. 

Northampton improves to 15-1 overall, while Ocean falls to 13-5.

Both the Spartans and Vikings will be traveling to the NJCAA Men's Volleyball Invitational at the College of DuPage, April 12th thru the 14th.