Wildcats Advance in NEVC Playoffs with 3–1 Victory Over Bard
by SUNY Poly Athletic Communications
Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's volleyball team opened postseason play in impressive fashion on Wednesday night, defeating Bard College 3–1 in the first round of the NEVC playoffs. After a strong start in the opening two sets, the Wildcats weathered a third-set push from Bard before closing out the match in the fourth to advance. The Wildcats will now face Nichols College on April 11.
Set One
The opening set began with both teams trading points early, as kills from Aaron Hennessy and Quincy Stayton helped SUNY Poly stay even. Bard found some rhythm behind Sidney Stein and Ansel Waisler, using a mid-set run to build a 12–9 advantage.
SUNY Poly responded behind strong play from Peter Gottler and Andrew Baaki, but Bard continued to apply pressure and held a lead deep into the set at 15–13. From there, the Wildcats flipped the momentum completely.
A dominant service run from Hennessy sparked a massive scoring surge, as Stayton took over offensively with multiple kills, while Baaki and the SUNY Poly block forced several Bard errors. The Wildcats rattled off an extended run to turn a deficit into a commanding lead.
Stayton continued to deliver late, and Jordan Prusky finished off the set with a kill as SUNY Poly closed on a huge run to take the opener 25–17.
Set Two
SUNY Poly carried that momentum into the second set, jumping out to a quick 3–0 lead thanks to strong net play from Gottler and Prusky. Hennessy and Stayton continued to pace the offense as the Wildcats built an early cushion.
Bard battled back midway through the set, tying things at 9–9 behind contributions from Waisler and Zachary Butler. The teams exchanged points through the middle stages, with neither side able to pull away.
With the score tied at 20–20, SUNY Poly elevated its play down the stretch. Gottler delivered back-to-back kills, while Baaki and Prusky added key points to give the Wildcats separation. Despite a late Bard push, SUNY Poly held firm.
Gottler capped the set with another kill to secure a 25–23 victory and give the Wildcats a 2–0 match lead.
Set Three
Facing elimination, Bard came out aggressive in the third set. Early kills from Stein and Pearse Esposito helped the visitors take control, and a 7–5 run gave them an early edge.
SUNY Poly stayed within striking distance behind Hennessy and Gottler, eventually leveling the set at 10–10. However, Bard responded with another surge, capitalizing on key swings from Waisler and strong serving from Evan McMahon to rebuild the lead.
The Wildcats continued to fight, getting late points from Stayton, Baaki, and Hennessy to cut into the deficit, but Bard maintained control down the stretch.
A late push wasn't enough as Bard held on to take the set 25–23, extending the match.
Set Four
The fourth set was tightly contested from the start, with both teams trading points and momentum. Kills from Hennessy, Stayton, and Gottler kept SUNY Poly in the mix, while Bard answered behind Stein and Waisler.
After falling behind 12–10, the Wildcats began to chip away. Gottler played a key role offensively, while Baaki and Prusky contributed at the net to help even the score.
The set remained close into the late stages, tied at 20–20. From there, SUNY Poly once again rose to the occasion.
Gottler delivered consecutive kills to spark the decisive run, and a Bard error followed by another Hennessy finish pushed the Wildcats to match point. After a final exchange, Bard committed a service error that sealed the set.
SUNY Poly closed out the fourth 25–23 to secure the 3–1 match victory and advance in the NEVC playoffs.