Box Score The State University of New York at New Paltz men's volleyball team fell in four sets to Vassar College in the semifinals of the United Volleyball Conference (UVC) tournament 20-25, 26-24, 21-25, 19-25. After defeating Nazareth College in the opening round behind a dominant offensive performance, the Hawks could never find their rhythm against the Brewers as they finished with a .159 hitting percentage.

In the opening set, Vassar College held a slight advantage early on, but SUNY New Paltz closed the gap and eventually tied the score at 14. However, the Brewers ran four straight points to take command of the set. The Hawks made multiple attempts to even the set, but were unable to complete the comeback and fell 25-20.

The second set began with SUNY New Paltz holding a slight advantage two-point advantage, but the lead didn't hold and with the score tied 16 it was anybody's set. Vassar College made the first move again, taking the next two points, but this time around the Hawks were able to rally. Trailing 17-19, SUNY New Paltz won five of the next six points behind two kills from junior outside hitter Bradley Schneider to give the Hawks a late 22-20 lead. The Brewers closed the gap, but with the score knotted at 24, back-to-back errors gave SUNY New Paltz the set.

Similar to the first set, the crucial third set was decided by a run made by Vassar College midway through. The score was even at 11 when the Brewers took seven of the next eight points for a 18-12 lead. The Hawks fought back with multiple kills from sophomore middle hitter Nick O'Malley, but the Brewers were able to hold on and take a two sets to one lead.

With its backs against the wall, SUNY New Paltz hung tough in the fourth set and battled to a 17-17 tie. However, Zechariah Lee stepped up to the serving line for Vassar College and did a great job keeping the Hawks out of system to help the Brewers pull away and take the set 25-19.

O'Malley was the most effective offensive weapon for SUNY New Paltz, picking up 10 kill on a .714 hitting percentage. Junior outside hitter Nick Smith finished with a team-high 13 kills and a .321 hitting percentage while sophomore setter Matthew Grace tallied 40 assists. Senior opposite Ryan Cole ended with a match-high 10 digs.

"Vassar out-played us today," said head coach Radu Petrus. "O'Malley played very well, but we needed to play better as a team. It's a disappointing end to the UVC tournament, but hopefully we get to keep playing and show what we can do."

The Hawks season now rests in the hands of the NCAA with the selection show airing on Monday at 10 a.m. where they will hope to end up with an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. 

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