GAME ONE: SUNY POLY VS. RUTGERS–NEWARK
Final Score: Rutgers–Newark 3, SUNY Poly 0
Set One
Rutgers–Newark established the tone early, using efficient offense from Michael Suarez and Harry Takyi to build momentum. Peter Gottler and Jordan Prusky provided early kills for SUNY Poly off Joshua Slater's distribution, and a block by Prusky and Gottler kept the Wildcats within striking distance.
Midway through the frame, however, the Scarlet Raiders capitalized on extended runs behind Takyi's attacking and Aleks Kolodziej's service ace to stretch the lead. SUNY Poly found points from Prusky and Gottler late, but Rutgers–Newark continued to apply pressure from the service line and in transition. Takyi closed out the set with another kill, securing a 25–13 win.
Set Two
Rutgers–Newark again jumped out to an early advantage in the second set, using a service ace and strong play at the net to go in front. SUNY Poly responded behind kills from Aaron Hennessy and Prusky, while Quincy Stayton and Vincenzo Geloso contributed during a key mid-set rally.
Trailing 20–16 late, the Wildcats mounted their strongest push of the match. Kills from Kaiden Ranger, Geloso, and Prusky, along with a Stayton service ace, fueled a strong run that brought the Wildcats within one. Gottler added a pair of late kills to keep SUNY Poly within reach, but a service ace from Logan Fernandes halted the comeback attempt and sealed a 25–22 Rutgers–Newark victory.
Set Three
The third set proved to be the most competitive of the afternoon. After Rutgers–Newark opened on a brief run, SUNY Poly settled in behind Prusky and Hennessy, who combined for several timely kills. Ranger and Geloso also added offense as the teams traded points deep into the set.
With the score knotted at 24–24, Prusky delivered a clutch kill to give the Wildcats set point. However, Rutgers–Newark responded with strong play at the net and a late service ace to regain control. Despite SUNY Poly fighting off multiple match points, the Scarlet Raiders edged out a 28–26 decision to complete the sweep.
GAME TWO: SUNY POLY VS. SUNY NEW PALTZ
Final Score: SUNY New Paltz 3, SUNY Poly 0
Set One
SUNY Poly and SUNY New Paltz battled through a tightly contested opening set featuring numerous ties and lead changes. Gottler and Baaki paced the Wildcats offensively, while Slater orchestrated the attack with consistent distribution. SUNY New Paltz used timely serving and strong blocking to create separation late. Despite continued pressure from the Wildcats' attack, the Hawks capitalized on key points down the stretch to take the set, 25–18.
Set Two
SUNY Poly stayed within striking distance for much of the second set behind contributions from Baaki, Prusky, and Quincy Stayton, who added a service ace. The teams traded runs into the late stages, with Gottler and Hennessy recording important kills to keep the deficit manageable. The Hawks, however, found another late surge, combining aggressive serving with consistent offense to claim a 25–19 win and take a 2–0 match lead.
Set Three
In the third set, the Wildcats continued to compete point-for-point. Back-to-back service aces from Gottler energized SUNY Poly, and Hennessy added an ace of his own to spark momentum. Prusky and Baaki produced key kills as the set moved into the 20s. SUNY New Paltz maintained composure in the closing moments, using efficient attacking and timely serves to secure a 25–20 victory and complete the sweep.
