HOW IT HAPPENED:
GAME ONE: SUNY Poly vs Nazareth
SUNY Poly opened the match with a tightly contested first set as both teams traded points through the early stages. Aaron Hennessy paced the Wildcats offensively, recording multiple early kills while Quincy Stayton and Jordan Prusky helped keep the score close. The set featured several momentum swings, with Nazareth briefly building a lead midway through the frame. SUNY Poly responded behind strong blocking at the net from Andrew Baaki and Peter Gottler, using a late run to flip the set. Kills from Hennessy, Gottler, and Baaki capped a decisive closing stretch as the Wildcats pulled away to secure a 25–20 victory.
The second set again saw balanced play early, with neither side able to gain significant separation. SUNY Poly leaned on steady setting from Joshua Slater and timely contributions from Stayton, Baaki, and Gottler to weather Nazareth's pressure. After Nazareth gained a small mid-set advantage, the Wildcats answered with improved defensive play and aggressive serving, including key points late in the frame. Hennessy continued to be a consistent scoring option down the stretch, helping SUNY Poly close out the set 25–22 and take a two-set lead.
Looking to complete the sweep, SUNY Poly carried its momentum into the third set, jumping out to an early edge behind kills from Prusky and Hennessy. Nazareth attempted to rally with strong service runs, but the Wildcats remained composed and efficient in transition. Slater added an offensive point of his own, while Stayton and Prusky delivered timely kills to maintain control. SUNY Poly's defense limited Nazareth late, and the Wildcats finished the match with a 25–20 win to complete the straight-set victory.
GAME TWO: SUNY Poly vs RivierÂ
SUNY Poly came out sharp in the opening set, establishing early momentum behind strong net play and disciplined defense. Peter Gottler and Aaron Hennessy provided consistent offense, while Joshua Slater directed the attack efficiently. The Wildcats built an early cushion and withstood a mid-set push from Rivier, using timely blocks from Hennessy and Jordan Prusky to regain control. A late surge, highlighted by a Slater service ace and key defensive stops, allowed SUNY Poly to close the frame 25–22.
The Wildcats carried that rhythm into the second set, pulling away early behind a dominant run fueled by Quincy Stayton's serving and repeated kills from Prusky. SUNY Poly controlled the tempo throughout the set, limiting Rivier's offensive opportunities and capitalizing on transition chances. Gottler continued to be a presence at the net, while Hennessy added timely points down the stretch as SUNY Poly cruised to a 25–14 win to take a 2–0 match lead.
Rivier responded in the third set with increased urgency, jumping out to an early advantage and forcing SUNY Poly to play from behind. Despite efforts from Gottler, Prusky, and Connor McDarby to close the gap, Rivier maintained momentum with aggressive serving and steady offense. SUNY Poly battled late, but Rivier held firm to take the set 25–17.
The fourth set saw Rivier continue to apply pressure, building an early lead behind strong play from Kenji Clark and Everett Boyer. SUNY Poly showed resilience, getting contributions from Stayton and Prusky to trim the deficit, but Rivier answered each run and closed the door late. The Wildcats' comeback attempt came up short as Rivier claimed the set 25–20 to force a decisive fifth frame.
In the final set, Rivier carried its momentum into the tiebreaker, opening with a quick run that put SUNY Poly on its heels. The Wildcats fought to stay within reach behind kills from Stayton and Hennessy, but Rivier's blocking and service pressure proved decisive. Rivier closed out the match with a 15–11 win in the fifth set, handing SUNY Poly a hard-fought five-set loss.
