NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team swept this afternoon’s tri-match with Polytechnic and Hilbert College. SUNY New Paltz defeated the Fighting Blue Jays in the opener 3-0 (30-12, 30-14, 30-28). Hilbert College and Polytechnic battled in the second match, Hilbert emerged victorious 3-2 (28-30, 24-30, 30-27, 30-27, 15-12). In the finale, SUNY New Paltz topped Hilbert College 3-0 (30-17, 30-24, 30-20).
SUNY New Paltz (11-4, 5-2) opened game one against Polytechnic hitting .571 as a team. Finishing the match with a .354 team hitting percentage the Hawks put the Fighting Blue Jays to rest in three games; 30-12, 30-14, 30-28. Freshman setter Mark Blair (Point Pleasant, NY) had a spectacular performance recording a double-double, 10 kills and 12 digs, while also tallying six aces. Two other Hawks joined him in double figure kills; freshman opposite Jason Chandler (Spencerport, NY) and freshman outside hitter Ryan Huberty (Liverpool, NY) collected 13 kills and 14 kills, respectively. Freshman setter Jarrett Rubin (Lido Beach, NY) piloted the SUNY New Paltz offense with 32 assists. Senior middle blocker David Furniss (Undilla, NY) totaled nine kills to lead Polytechnic (5-10, 1-5). Junior setter Zach Emnett (St. Louis, MO) collected 16 assists in the match.
Hilbert College (2-7) came from behind to upset Polytechnic (5-11) in the second match of the afternoon. After dropping the first two games 30-28 and 30-24, the Hawks battled back to take game three 30-27, game four 30-27 and game five 15-12. Hilbert College received double-doubles from senior outside hitter Bobby Gerhard (Angola, NY) and junior outside hitter Brian Wojcik (Buffalo, NY). Gerhard finished with 29 kills and 17 digs, while Wojcik totaled 11 kills and 13 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Luke Whelan (Derby, NY) registered 18 kills, as freshman setter Sean Carroll (Henrietta, NY) recorded 55 assists. Furniss once again led the Fighting Blue Jays with 22 kills and 22 digs. Senior Outside hitter Piotr Drys (Poland) added 20 kills, as Emnett and sophomore setter Dom Reda (Valley Stream, NY) pitched in 27 assists and 22 assists, respectively.
SUNY New Paltz (12-4) topped Hilbert College in the tri-match finale, 3-0. SUNY New Paltz opened game one against Hilbert College hitting .609 as a team and finished the match hitting .340. Blair recorded, a team-high, 11 kills. Freshman setter Matt Wiengarten (East Moriches, NY) collected 26 assists, as Chandler tallied four aces. Gerhard led Hilbert College (2-8) with eight kills and Carroll recorded 15 assists in the loss.
The SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team will host Ramapo in a North East Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA) Metro Division contest at 7:30 pm on Monday, February 20.
