Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's volleyball team dropped a hard-fought four-set match to Nichols on Saturday afternoon, falling 3–1. Despite a strong opening set and a late push in the fourth, the Wildcats were unable to overcome the Bison's consistent attack. With the loss, SUNY Poly moves to 17-10 on the season. 

Set One

The opening set featured a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading points early behind balanced offensive efforts. Kills from Quincy Stayton, Peter Gottler, and Jordan Prusky, along with steady distribution from Joshua Slater, kept SUNY Poly even through the middle portion of the frame. Nichols countered with strong play from Adam Vincent and Bradyn Pomainville, but the Wildcats began to gain separation late.

A key stretch fueled by a service ace from Andrew Baaki and a block by Baaki and Stayton helped SUNY Poly build momentum. Aaron Hennessy added a service ace during a decisive run, while Stayton and Baaki continued to produce offensively. The Wildcats maintained control down the stretch, closing the set on a 7–2 run capped by a Baaki kill to secure a 25–18 victory.

Set Two

SUNY Poly carried momentum into the second set, jumping out to an early lead behind a service ace from Gottler and a kill from Stayton. However, Nichols responded with a strong mid-set run, capitalizing on Wildcat errors and consistent offense from Vincent and Bryce Bonville to take control.

The Wildcats remained within striking distance as Stayton, Gottler, and Baaki continued to find points, eventually tying the set late at 24–24. Despite the late rally, Nichols executed in the closing moments, using key kills and blocks to edge out a 26–24 win and even the match.

Set Three

Nichols seized momentum early in the third set, building a quick advantage behind aggressive serving and a balanced offensive attack led by Pomainville and Vincent. SUNY Poly struggled to find rhythm as the Bison extended their lead with a sustained run midway through the frame.

Kills from Gottler and Stayton, along with contributions from Baaki, helped the Wildcats briefly respond, but Nichols maintained control throughout. A late push from SUNY Poly was not enough, as the Bison closed out the set convincingly, 25–15, to take a 2–1 lead in the match.

Set Four

Facing elimination, SUNY Poly responded with renewed energy in a tightly contested fourth set. Early points from Prusky, Baaki, and Gottler helped the Wildcats stay even, while multiple attack errors by Nichols gave SUNY Poly opportunities to build a lead.

Midway through the set, the Wildcats used a strong run behind kills from Stayton, Gottler, and Baaki to take control. However, Nichols answered with a late surge, tying the set and forcing extra points. The two teams exchanged blows down the stretch, with SUNY Poly getting key kills from Baaki and Gottler to stay alive.

In the end, Nichols proved resilient, capitalizing on late opportunities to secure a 29–27 victory and clinch the win.