WINTHROP, Mass. – After wrapping up the winningest regular-season in program history, Suffolk volleyball team garnered the fourth-seed in the upcoming 2019 GNAC Tournament as announced in the official tournament bracket released by league office over the weekend.
The Rams, who put together the most wins in the program's 24-year history at 19-11 overall, also produced the best league ledger since joining the conference in 1996 at 9-3 to pick up the fourth seed, the highest since matching that number in the 2005 conference tournament field.
Suffolk's 14th conference tournament trip keeps the Rams on Beacon Hill, a first for the blue-and-gold since the 2005 campaign as the Rams will host the quarterfinals for the second time in program history Tuesday, Nov. 5 when they welcome fifth-seeded Colby Sawyer to the Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court.
The Chargers (17-17, 7-5 GNAC) clinched the No. 5 spot after edging out Norwich in a five-set thriller in the rival's regular-season finale Saturday afternoon.
Tuesday's post-season tangle marks the first time in Suffolk, Colby Sawyer the foes will meet in the playoffs.
The Rams, who matched the highest seed in program history in an eight-team field at the fourth slot, look to escape the quarterfinals for the second straight season and second time overall.
First serve on Tuesday night is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the basement of the Ridgeway Building on Smith Court. The winner of the quarterfinals contest will take on the victor of nationally ranked and regular-season champion Johnson & Wales and #8 Lasell Thursday, Nov. 7.
2019 GNAC VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
Quarterfinals - Tuesday, Nov. 5
MATCH 1: #8 Lasell at #1 Johnson & Wales – 7:30 p.m.
MATCH 2: #5 Colby Sawyer at #4 Suffolk – 7:00 p.m.
MATCH 3: #6 Norwich at #3 Rivier – 7:00 p.m.
MATCH 4: #7 Saint Joseph's (Maine) at #2 Simmons – 7:00 p.m.
Semifinals – Thursday, Nov. 7 (to be played at highest remaining seeds)
MATCH 5: Winner of Match 2 vs. Winner of Match 1
MATCH 6: Winner of Match 4 vs. Winner of Match 3
CHAMPIONSHIP – Saturday, Nov. 9 (at highest remaining seed)
MATCH 7: Winner of Match 5 vs. Winner Match 6