Utica, N.Y. - The SUNY Poly men's volleyball team will quickly turn the page to the NEVC Playoffs, following a 3-1 defeat to the Endicott College Gulls. The loss wraps up the Wildcats season with a final record of 18-13. The Wildcats will now prepare for a home playoff game against the Bard College Raptors. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

The opening set was a tightly contested battle, with both teams exchanging points early on. SUNY Poly fought hard to keep pace, but a series of attack errors by both sides prevented either team from gaining a significant lead. Key plays in the first set came from Endicott's Alexei Kraytman, who recorded timely kills. As the set neared its end, the score was tied at 22-22. Endicott capitalized on key mistakes from SUNY Poly, including a service error from Andrew Baaki and a block by Corey Klass Jr., to close out the set 25-23.

Endicott was in control for most of set two, with a strong offensive showing. SUNY Poly, however, wasn't going down without a fight. A strong performance from Peter Gottlerkept the set close, but SUNY Poly's errors, including a series of service mistakes and attack errors allowed Endicott to build a small cushion late in the set. Endicott's defense, led by the blocking tandem of Klass Jr. and Jackson Grey , held firm as the Gulls finished the set 25-22, taking a 2-0 lead.

SUNY Poly bounced back in the third set, showing resilience and a determination to extend the match. The set was marked by strong performances from Baaki, who delivered some pivotal kills that gave SUNY Poly a slight edge. Endicott's offense was not lacking, with Jackson and Kraytman adding kills to keep the match close, but the Gulls struggled with unforced errors. Service mistakes and missed opportunities in crucial moments allowed SUNY Poly to capitalize. As the set wound down, SUNY Poly took control, closing out the set 25-21 and cutting the overall match lead to 2-1.

Needing to win to finish the match, Endicott came out strong in Set Four, determined to close out the game. Both teams continued to exchange points early, but Endicott's defensive effort, especially at the net, proved too much for SUNY Poly. Klass Jr. and Jackson were key at the net with several timely blocks and kills. Endicott would go on to close out the set 25-20 and the game 3-1.