The Tribe’s two representatives have been focused on starting the ECAC playoffs strong. Marc Grabulosa-Serra managed big wins against #18 University of Mount Saint Vincent and #2 Fanshawe University to reach the quarterfinals. Additionally, Brandon Carranza-Lopez went up against the 14th ranked Augustana University and fell after a close first round match.
Playoff bracket going into the quarterfinals:
Marc Grabulosa-Serra (7-2, #15 in the ECAC)
Grabulosa-Serra’s first round matchup was a nail-biter against University of Mount Saint Vincent (#18). He started off in the first set by holding off a comeback by UMSV resulting in a 3-2 win. In the second set, UMSV got out to a lead and with Grabulosa-Serra chasing the game, he ended up falling 9-5. In typical Tribe fashion, he managed to rebound and win 5-4 in the final matchup.
In his second-round matchup, he had a rematch against the #2 ranked player in the entire ECAC from Fanshawe university. Apart from a defeat at the hands of Grabulosa-Serra earlier in the year, Fanshawe University’s representative had been undefeated this season. Despite losing in the first set 4-2 and being down two goals at halftime in set two, Grabulosa-Serra fought back to win the final two sets 7-6 and 7-6. During this stretch he was controlling the game and creating a plethora of chances using his signature up-tempo style. Coach Garrett Bellin said postgame, “He played like an ECAC Champion tonight,” with team captain Brandon Carranza-Lopez adding that he would not like to go up against Grabulosa-Serra when he plays like he did in the second half of his round of 16 matchup.
Grabulosa-Serra is advancing to his third consecutive ECAC quarterfinals. He is just one of two active players to have achieved this feat. He will be facing reigning champion Conegosta College (#7) in the quarterfinals. You can follow the action on twitch at 8 PM ET using the link below.
Brandon Carranza-Lopez (5-4, #19 ECAC)
Carranza-Lopez fell in a very close first round matchup to #14 Augustana College. He managed to take the first set in a clutch 5-4 golden goal victory. He then lost in another golden goal overtime set 4-3 in set number two. He fell 4-2 in the tiebreaker set to seal the result.
Since the loss, he has shifted into a captain role to help prepare Grabulosa-Serra for his playoff run.
This season Carranza-Lopez earned his 4th straight appearance in the ECAC playoffs and his 4th straight winning season. This is the most appearances a Tribe player has made in the ECAC playoffs. He will be returning in the fall for his final season with the program.
Other News:
Head coach Garrett Bellin improves his coaching record to 29-11 and will be hoping for his 30th win to come on Monday in the quarterfinals.
The Tribe did their second ever live broadcast with William & Mary based commentators. William & Mary junior Gibran Adan and head coach Garrett Bellin provided commentary during Grabulosa-Serra’s first round win over UMSV.
If you are interested in joining the program as a player or commentator, please reach out to gabellin@wm.edu via email.
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