Utica, N.Y. - The SUNY Poly men's volleyball team is advancing to the second round of the NEVC playoffs, after defeating the Bard College Raptors in a tightly contested five set battle. Multiple Wildcats shined, including Peter Gottler who finished with 14 kills and Andrew Baaki who ended the game with 4 block assists and 10 kills. The Wildcats will not hit the road to square off with the #1 seeded Nichols College.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Set One: SUNY Poly 25, Bard 19
The Wildcats opened the match with a strong offensive showing led by Adam Brawn and Andrew Baaki, who both connected on multiple kills early. Setter Joshua Slater controlled the tempo, dishing out precise sets to a variety of hitters, including Zach Latino and Peter Gottler. Despite Bard's Ansel Waisler tallying four kills in the frame and Lincoln Grisso adding energy at the net, errors plagued the Raptors, allowing SUNY Poly to pull away late.
Set Two: Bard 25, SUNY Poly 21
Bard responded with a more composed effort in the second set, capitalizing on SUNY Poly's service errors. Waisler continued his strong play, recording a service ace and several key kills. Sidney Stein emerged as a weapon, and Jacob Gideon's serving helped build momentum. SUNY Poly struggled with consistency, and the Raptors held on to even the match at one set apiece.
Set Three: Bard 25, SUNY Poly 22
In the most evenly matched set of the night, Bard rode the hot hand of Waisler and Stein once again. A timely service ace from Grisso and contributions from Moises Arteaga gave Bard a narrow edge. SUNY Poly kept pace with balanced play, including kills from Corey Hollingsworth and Gottler, but a late push from the Raptors helped them take a 2-1 lead in the match.
Set Four: SUNY Poly 25, Bard 18
With their backs against the wall, the Wildcats bounced back in dominating fashion. Gottler came alive offensively with several emphatic kills, while Slater continued to facilitate a dynamic attack. SUNY Poly took advantage of Bard's unforced errors, especially on serve-receive, and never trailed after the opening points. Defensive blocks from Pearse Esposito and Baaki helped neutralize Bard's attackers.
Set Five: SUNY Poly 15, Bard 13
In a nail-biting fifth set, both teams traded points with neither leading by more than two until the very end. Waisler and Stein kept Bard within reach, while Hollingsworth stepped up for SUNY Poly with a clutch ace and a crucial kill. The decisive blow came from Gottler, who put down the final point off a Slater set to seal the win for the Wildcats.
