CRANFORD, NJ - In a winner take all match-up for the top seed in the Region 19 Men's Volleyball Tournament, Union County College outlasted the Spartans in 5 sets on Monday evening, winning 3-2 (18-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-18, 13-15), to secure the top spot, giving the Spartans the #2 seed for the upcoming playoffs. 

John Nice (Feasterville, PA/Neshaminy) recorded 15 kills, 15 digs and 3 blocks and Omarion Tembo (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) had 11 kills, 13 digs, 3 aces and 2 blocks for Northampton.

"Tough match, Union was a different team tonight than the one we played March 17th," remarked Head Coach Rachael Aquila, "we will regroup and prepare for Ocean on Wednesday evening."

Zach Franges (Bethlehem, PA/Freedom) was credited with 41 assists, Matthew Gonzalez (Coopersburg, PA/Liberty) had 21 digs and Luke Smith (Breiningsville, PA/Parkland) registered 8 kills and 2 blocks. 

The loss drops Northampton to 13-3 overall and 11-3 in Region 19. 

Union improves to 20-6 overall and 13-1 in the Region, with their only loss vs. Northampton (3-0) on March 17th. 

The 2nd seeded Spartans will now host 3rd seeded Ocean County College on Wednesday evening at 6:30pm in the Region 19 semifinals.