New London - Tim Gaiser has been named head coach of the Mitchell College volleyball team, Mitchell Director of Athletics Matt Finlayson announced on Tuesday.

Gaiser returns to the Mariners, who he coached during from 2013-2014. Most recently he served as faculty member, instructor, and volleyball head coach at Merchant Marine Academy from 2016-2021.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tim back to our athletic department and the Mitchell College community," said Finlayson in a release. "He has such an extensive coaching resume with a proven track record of success accompanied with a passion for providing a first class student-athlete experience. We are excited to have Tim lead and grow our volleyball program as we enter the GNAC next year."

At Merchant Marine Gaiser led the program to a conference record of 48-5 (.906), and overall record of 96-35 (.733) in five seasons as head coach. He was named Coach of the Year in the Skyline Conference in 2018.

He’s also coached at Southern Connecticut State University, Lyman Hall High School, Purchase College, Western Connecticut State University, Masuk High School, Wisconsin-Parkside, Quinnipiac College, and Guilford High School. Gaiser also has extensive experience as a volleyball official.

"I am honored to be the next head volleyball coach at Mitchell College," said Gaiser in a release. "I want to thank Athletics Director Matt Finlayson and the search committee for this opportunity to return to Mitchell and lead the volleyball program. I am looking forward to bringing a renewed level of excitement and competitiveness that the College will be proud of!"

Sun round out coaching staff

• Connecticut Sun head coach Stephanie White finalized her support staff for the upcoming season with strength and conditioning coach Analisse Rios, head athletic trainer Nicole Alexander and Peter Feeney being elevated to director of basketball operations and player personnel.

The Sun have three new additions to the staff — former New London standout Keith Porter will be the player development coach, Kevin Owens the video coordinator and Gabriella Mendonca the equipment manager.

Connecticut begins its 2023 season at the Indiana Fever on Friday, May 19. It will host the Washington Mystics in its season opener on Sunday, May 21.

College baseball

• Matt Falk had two hits, including triple, with five RBI and a run as Mitchell scored 10 runs in the first inning en route to a 16-2 season-opening win over Westfield State. Montville’s Robbie DelaCruz hit a bases-clearing triple and scored twice, Owen Robbins had three hits, two runs and an RBI and Angel Galindez had three runs and two RBI for the Mariners.

Men’s lacrosse

• JJ Ford had four goals and an assist to pace Conn College to its first win of the season, 17-6 over UMass-Boston. Jared Rainville had two goals and two assists for Conn (1-1) and Liam Horkan scored three times.