SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — D'Youville (1-6, 0-0 NEC) fell in straight sets to American International College (1-7, 0-0 ECC) by scores of 27-25, 25-22, and 25-21 on Friday evening at the Henry Butova Gymnasium. Despite the loss, D'Youville's defense recorded 35 digs and 7 total blocks during the match.

D'Youville opened the first set with a kill by Deeraj Varma (Gaithersburg, Md. / Quince Orchard), assisted by Peyton Planz (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Shaler Area), setting the tone for a competitive start. Despite multiple service errors from both teams, Ethan Robinson (Scarborough, Ontario / Neil McNeil) and Ty Parker (Syracuse, N.Y. / Jamesville Dewitt) contributed key kills that kept D'Youville in the game, with Parker also capitalizing on an attack error to briefly gain the lead at 8-7. D'Youville maintained pressure with strong plays including a service ace by Skyler Tutor (St. Cloud, FL / St. Cloud) and a block by Dempsey Ptaszkiewicz (Cincinnati, OH / Bishop Fenwick), advancing their score to 22-18. However, AIC responded with a determined comeback, fueled by kills, leveling the score at 24-24. The set concluded with a narrow win for AIC at 27-25, after a service ace sealed the set.

D'Youville made a concerted effort to challenge the Yellowjackets during the second set, notably narrowing the gap with a series of successful plays. Parker contributed a service ace and an attack error by the opposition, while Robinson and Andrew Haber (Whitby, Ontario / Brooklin) combined for key kills to bring the score to a 20-20 tie. Despite their efforts, D'Youville could not maintain the momentum as AIC capitalized on a few crucial plays, ending the set with a 25-22 victory.

D'Youville initially kept pace with AIC, with Varma and Robinson delivering key kills that maintained a tie at 7-7. Haber's service ace briefly gave D'Youville an 8-7 lead, but several errors allowed AIC to reclaim momentum. Despite a late surge featuring points from Parker and Varma, D'Youville could not overcome the deficit. The set ended with AIC winning 25-21, concluding the match.

Robinson led the offense with 11 kills, contributing significantly to the team's total of 27 attacks. Ptaszkiewicz stood out defensively, recording six total blocks, including four solo efforts. Cleveland Brown Jr. (Blacklick, OH / Licking Heights) anchored the defense with 11 digs, leading the team in that category. Haber facilitated the play with 14 assists and added an ace to his performance.

Looking ahead, D'Youville will face Merrimack College on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:00 p.m. in North Andover, Massachusetts.