The SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team hosted Hunter College Thursday night and lost a tough 3-2 battle. New Paltz claimed set one 30-26 and set three 30-27, while dropping set two (30-25), four (30-26) and set five (18-16).
Senior Jake Moore and first year Kevin Stross led New Paltz with 18 kills each, and Moore picked up 10 digs. Junior Daniel Liberto registered 15 kills, including seven in the third set, and six digs while Alex Jackson totaled 13 kills, eight digs and four aces. Sophomore Andrew Cassius dished out 60 assists and eight digs.
Set one was tied 12-12 before New Paltz used a 7-1 run to break open the match and take control. Hunter came out aggressive in set two and took an early 16-9 lead and never looked back. New Paltz was able to get within two points at 24-22 but it wasn’t enough, as Hunter responded with a four point run. Set three was tied 24-24 and Liberto tallied three of his kills in the final six points for New Paltz. Hunter led game four, 27-19 and New Paltz started to make a move but it was a little too late. The final set was a battle with Hunter taking the final two points need on a kill and a block.
New Paltz stands at 2-2 on the season and will return to the court on Wednesday January 28th when they travel to Vassar for a 7pm match.
