BUFFALO, N.Y. — In a tightly contested match at the Saints Center Gym, Molloy University edged D'Youville University (4-8, 1-1 ECC) in a five-set thriller, 25-21, 18-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-11. Despite D'Youville's strong performance in the second and third sets, the Lions secured the victory with a decisive fifth set. The Saints recorded 51 kills, while the Lions notched 54 kills, with both teams achieving nine total blocks each.

D'Youville opened the first set against the Lions, facing an early deficit as the Lions jumped to a 5-0 lead. D'Youville responded with kills from Maddie Boglev and Giselle Ramirez, cutting the advantage. Defensive stops by Cameron Ulinski and Madeline O'Brien helped close the gap to 9-9, showing resilience in the face of the Lions' attacks.

Despite trading points and staying within reach, DYU faced a series of errors that allowed their opponents to extend their lead. A service ace by Lauren Scully brought D'Youville back to 16-15, but the Lions capitalized on further errors to widen the margin once again.

In the closing moments, the Saints attempted a comeback with successful blocks and kills from O'Brien and Boglev, narrowing the score to 24-21. However, the Lions secured the final point with a kill from Isabella Rios, taking the set 25-21.

DYU showcased strong momentum in the second set against the Lions, initiating with a scoring drive fueled by defensive pressure and capitalizing on opponent errors. Gabrielle Dials and Ramirez were instrumental in building an early lead, with Dials contributing multiple kills to keep the pressure on.

Midway through the set, D'Youville maintained their edge as O'Brien and Boglev combined for crucial kills, extending their advantage despite a brief surge from the Lions. Alina Bertens Deckart played a pivotal role, assisting on several key plays to secure a decisive edge.

Closing the set, O'Brien's assertive play sealed the set with a kill, finalizing a 25-18 result for D'Youville, who maintained control throughout and closed strong to capture the set.

D'Youville surged ahead in the third set with an early kill by O'Brien, setting the tone against the Lions. A key moment came as Ramirez delivered a service ace, which was part of a run that extended D'Youville's lead to 12-6. Ulinski and Ramirez contributed crucial points, maintaining momentum.

Despite a brief rally from the Lions closing the gap to 19-18, D'Youville responded with consistent scoring from Ramirez and a decisive block by O'Brien. As the set drew to a close, Dials added a kill to bring D'Youville to match point, and Boglev sealed the set with a final kill, concluding the set 25-23 in favor of D'Youville.

D'Youville faced a challenging fourth set against the Lions, with the team initially struggling with attack errors that allowed the Lions to take a 3-0 lead. Despite this, Ulinski managed to secure an early point with a kill, supported by Bertens Deckart. However, the Lions extended their advantage to 8-1 before D'Youville responded with a series of points, including a crucial service ace from Scully.

As the set progressed, D'Youville narrowed the gap with key plays, featuring kills by O'Brien and Ramirez, who also contributed a service ace to bring the score to 21-17. Scully added consecutive service aces, reducing the Lions' lead further. However, the Lions maintained their edge, ultimately securing the set at 25-22.

In the decisive fifth set, D'Youville's efforts were met with early challenges as the Lions opened with a 3-0 lead, including a service ace and a kill by Erin Stanley. D'Youville responded with a kill from Ulinski, closing the gap to 5-2, but the Lions extended their lead to 8-2. Ulinski contributed again with another kill, bringing the score to 8-3, as D'Youville tried to shift momentum.

D'Youville narrowed the margin with a block by Ramirez and Ulinski, making it 8-4, and continued to press with a service error by the Lions, moving the score to 10-6. O'Brien added a kill, trimming the deficit to 12-10, but the Lions capitalized on a service ace and a kill from Teresa Moulder to clinch the set, concluding the match at 15-11 in favor of the Lions.

O'Brien led D'Youville in points, finishing with 16.5, alongside 15 kills and 12 digs. Ramirez posted an impressive attack percentage of .667, contributing 11 kills and three total blocks. Ulinski recorded a team-high 19 digs, adding 12 kills and four total blocks. Bertens Deckart orchestrated the offense with 47 assists while also adding 10 digs.