HAMBURG, N.Y. – After recording a 3-2 victory to open the season earlier this morning, Hilbert Men's Volleyball was unable to keep pace with a balanced SUNY Poly attack, falling in straight set in the final match of the trimatch in the Brad Hafner Recreation Center.

The Wildcats (3-3) claimed the match by set scores of 25-19, 25-21, and 25-16 over the Hawks and went 3-0 against Houghton University (0-2) in the middle game.

Hilbert (1-1) competed throughout the opening two sets but struggled offensively against the Wildcats' disciplined blocking and back-row defense. SUNY Poly posted a .283 team hitting percentage while holding the Hawks to .080 for the match.

SUNY Poly jumped out to an early advantage in the first set, capitalizing on efficient transitions and limited Hilbert to just six kills. The Hawks found more rhythm in the second set, closing the gap late behind improved serving pressure, but SUNY Poly responded with timely kills to secure a 25-21 decision and took a two-set lead.

SUNY Poly maintained control in the third set, using consistent side-out play and a strong net presence to pull away early. Hilbert was limited to four kills in the final frame as the Wildcats closed out the sweep.

Nikolas D'Andrea and Justin Veal paced the Hawks with five kills apiece, while Michael Pozzuto added four kills and a team-high 12 digs. D'Andrea added to his career total with four more service aces while Veal and Austin Thurlow led Hilbert at the net with three blocks and two blocks, respectively.

Brinton McClain recorded 14 assists to guide the Hilbert offense, while Jacob Sehn added a pair of assists and contributed defensively.

Both teams were aggressive behind the service line and combined for 29 service errors.

Hilbert returns to action in eleven days when they host their first mid-week home contest against Elmira College January 28th.  The first serve is set for 6:00 pm.