Hartwick, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's volleyball team delivered a commanding performance on Saturday afternoon, sweeping both Hartwick College and Dean College in straight sets to complete a perfect 2–0 day on the road. With the victories, SUNY Poly improves to 12–9 on the season.
Set One
SUNY Poly weathered an early push from Hartwick and found its rhythm midway through the opening frame. Kills from Peter Gottler and Jordan Prusky helped steady the Wildcats, while Andrew Baaki added offense in transition. Prusky sparked momentum with a service ace, and a key block from Derek Gottler and Baaki slowed Hartwick's attack at the net. Despite several service errors on both sides, SUNY Poly capitalized late, using strong side-out play and timely swings to close out a 25–17 win.
Set Two
The Wildcats carried that momentum into the second set. Aaron Hennessy got going offensively, and Ranger and Gottler contributed key points during a decisive mid-set run. SUNY Poly's blocking presence, highlighted by combinations from Hennessy and Wharton, disrupted Hartwick's rhythm and forced attack errors. Prusky continued to apply pressure from the service line as the Wildcats steadily built separation. SUNY Poly secured the 25–14 victory to take a commanding 2–0 match lead.
Set Three
Hartwick battled early in the third, but SUNY Poly responded with its most balanced effort of the match. Dylan Wharton and Hennessy teamed up for a momentum-shifting block, while Ranger and Gottler delivered key kills. After a brief tie at 19–19, a service ace from Derek Gottler gave the Wildcats an edge they would not relinquish. Clutch late swings from Gottler and strong defensive play sealed a 25–23 win, completing the 3–0 sweep.
GAME TWO: SUNY POLY VS. DEAN
Set One
SUNY Poly came out aggressive against Dean, with Joshua Slater distributing effectively to Baaki, Ranger, and Jacob Svara. Baaki caught fire at the service line, recording multiple aces to fuel a key run. Peter Gottler was efficient on the right side, finishing rallies in transition, while Corey Hollingsworth added both a kill and a service ace to maintain pressure. The Wildcats closed the set strong behind Gottler's offense to earn a 25–20 victory.
Set Two
The second set featured several tight stretches, but SUNY Poly maintained control through balanced scoring and disciplined play. Ranger tallied a service ace and multiple kills, while Geloso and Baaki combined for a block that halted a Dean rally. Slater continued to spread the floor offensively, finding Baaki and Gottler in crucial moments. Late execution and a Dean error sealed the 25–22 win, putting the Wildcats ahead 2–0.
Set Three
Dean pushed the pace in the final frame, but SUNY Poly answered every run. Gottler and Geloso provided steady offense, and Slater added a timely service ace. Svara and Baaki delivered key swings down the stretch, while Nathan Zuber contributed an important late kill off the bench. In extended action, the Wildcats capitalized on Dean miscues and received a decisive finish from Baaki to secure a 26–24 win and complete the second straight sweep of the afternoon.