Men's Volleyball Lose a Tough Tri-Match at SUNY New Paltz

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. - The Elms College Men's Volleyball team traveled to the State University of New York at New Paltz a non-conference tri-match on Saturday.

BASICS
Match 1
Score: Elms College 0 (9, 14, 20) | Elmira College 3 (25, 25, 25)
Records: Blazers 3-11, 0-2 (GNAC) | Soaring Eagles 14-3, 0-3 (UVC)

Match 2
Score: Elms College 0 (16, 15, 19) | State University of New York at New Paltz 3 (25, 25, 25)
Records: Blazers 3-12, 0-2 (GNAC) | Hawks 8-8, 2-0 (UVC)

HOW IT HAPPENED
Match 1
The first set would begin with both teams battling for the early lead, but Elmira would earn the first lead after three-straight points. Elms would continue to fight back after a kill by sophomore Nick Uschmann (Agawam, Mass.), but the Soaring Eagles would put together a 12-point streak. The Blazers would try to rally back after a kill by junior Rafa Artero (Madrid, Spain) and a service ace by Uschmann, but Elmira would win the opening set 25-9.

The second set would see the Soaring Eagles with a 4-1 lead, but Elms would answer quickly after kills by Uschmann, first year Hunter Ladouceur (Wilbraham, Mass.), and Artero to bring the score to 6-4. As Elmira would continue to add to their lead, the Blazers would not be far behind, following kills by sophomores Al Sánchez (Guayama, P.R.), James Davis (Leetsdale, Penn.), and Uschmann, along with a block by Uschmann and first year Yazhua Marin Valentin (Springfield, Mass.), but the Soaring Eagles would win the set 25-24.

The third and final set would see the two teams continue to battle for the early advantage, with kills by Uschmann and Sánchez to keep the score tied 3-3, but Elmira would gain the advantage shortly thereafter. Sánchez would assist Elms with a kill and a service ace to help tie the set 9-9, but the Soaring Eagles would continue to be a step ahead of the Blazers. After a combined five kills from Sánchez, Uschmann, and Davis, Elms would bring the score to a one-point differential, at 20-19, but after a final kill from Ladouceur, Elmira would win the set 25-20 and secure the match 3-0 for the sweep.

Match 2
The opening set would begin with the two sides battling for the first advantage on the scoreboard, after kills by senior Joshua Fernandez Garcia (Canovanas, P.R.) and Artero, but SUNY New Paltz would take the first lead 10-6. As the Hawks looked to continue to add to their lead, the Blazers would continue to their fight to gain their first lead with the assistance of six kills from Uschmann, Artero, and Fernandez Garcia, along with a service ace by Sánchez, but New Paltz would take the first set 25-16.

The second set would see Elms with the early advantage, taking a 6-4 lead after back-to-back kills from Uschmann and sophomore Sam Moreno (El Paso, Texas). The Hawks would bring the score to within a point, Uschmann would add another kill, but SUNY New Paltz would then take the lead. The Blazers would continue their quest to regain the lead, with the help of kills by Sánchez, Uschmann, and Artero, but the Hawks would win the second set 25-15.

The third and final set of the day would continue to be a hard, fought battle early, with Elms earning a 7-5 lead after Uschmann added a kill. New Paltz would take the lead momentarily, but four kills by Sánchez and Marin Valentin would bring the score to a tied 17-17. The Blazers would see a final kill by Uschmann, but the Hawks would take the final set 25-19 and the match 3-0. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Uschmann would make 16 kills, three digs, a service ace, and a block assist.

• Ladouceur made 30 assists, eight digs, and two kills.

• Sánchez added 10 digs, eight kills, and two service aces.

• Artero generated five kills and a dig.

• Fernandez Garcia would make four digs, two kills, and an assist.

• Marin Valentin would create two kills and a block assist.

• Moreno made 12 digs, three assists, and a kill.

• Davis would make two kills.

UP NEXT: The Elms Men's Volleyball team will host SUNY Poly for a non-conference match on Sunday, March 2nd at 2 pm.

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