Beverly, M.A. – The SUNY Poly men's volleyball team saw its 2026 season come to a close on Saturday evening, falling to Nichols College in straight sets, 3–0, in a NEVC playoff matchup. Despite multiple tightly contested stretches and strong individual efforts, the Wildcats were unable to overcome key late runs by the Bison. SUNY Poly concludes its season with a record of 21-12.
Set One
The opening set was a back-and-forth battle from the very first serve, with both teams trading points and momentum throughout. Early kills from Quincy Stayton and Peter Gottler helped keep SUNY Poly level, while Andrew Baaki and Jordan Prusky contributed at the net to match Nichols' offensive pressure.
Neither side was able to create much separation, as the score remained tight through the middle portion of the set. A strong stretch from the Wildcats, highlighted by kills from Aaron Hennessy and Stayton, helped SUNY Poly edge ahead briefly.
Nichols responded late behind a surge from Adam Vincent and Connor Snow, turning a narrow deficit into a late advantage. SUNY Poly continued to battle, with Gottler and Baaki delivering key points to keep the set within reach.
The set extended past 25, but Nichols capitalized in the extra points, closing out a tightly contested opener 29–27.
Set Two
SUNY Poly carried its energy into the second set, opening with strong offensive play from Gottler and Hennessy to keep things even early. The teams exchanged points through the opening stages, with neither side gaining a clear edge.
Midway through the set, Nichols began to find its rhythm. A combination of service pressure and attack consistency helped the Bison build a lead, while SUNY Poly stayed within striking distance thanks to contributions from Stayton and Baaki.
As the set progressed, Nichols extended its advantage behind a decisive run, capitalizing on a few Wildcats errors while continuing to execute offensively.
Despite late points from SUNY Poly, Nichols maintained control and secured the second set 25–17 to take a 2–0 match lead.
Set Three
Facing elimination, the Wildcats came out with urgency in the third set. Early points from Hennessy, Stayton, and Prusky helped SUNY Poly stay even, while the defense, anchored by Baaki and Gottler, produced key stops at the net.
The set remained close through the middle stages, with multiple ties and momentum swings. SUNY Poly found success offensively, but Nichols continued to answer behind Vincent and Gavin Austin.
A late push from the Wildcats brought them within striking distance, as kills from Hennessy and Stayton kept the pressure on. However, Nichols responded with timely plays down the stretch to hold off the comeback attempt.
The Bison closed out the set 25–22, completing the sweep and ending SUNY Poly's season.
