BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville (2-9, 0-0 NEC) secured a decisive 3-0 victory over St. Thomas Aquinas College (4-8, 0-0 ECC) at Saints Center Gym on Friday night. D'Youville's offensive performance was highlighted by a .257 hitting percentage and 8 service aces.

D'Youville opened the first set with a strong offensive showing against the Spartans. Ty Parker (Syracuse, N.Y. / Jamesville-Dewitt) was instrumental early, registering multiple kills, including the first point of the match with an assist from Peyton Planz (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Shaler Area). As the set progressed, Samuel Pizarro-Amaya (Seattle, Wash. / Shoreline) delivered crucial service aces that created a buffer for the home team. Despite a brief resistance from STAC, D'Youville maintained its lead, closing the set with a decisive block by Planz, securing a 25-19 victory.

D'Youville overcame early difficulties in the second set, starting with a 0-4 deficit due to attack errors. However, they rallied with a series of strategic plays, including a key kill by Pizarro-Amaya at 4-1 and a service ace by Ethan Robinson (Scarborough, Ontario / Neil McNeil) that tied the score at 8-8. With strong defensive blocks by Planz and Jaden Webster (Rockford, Ill. / Guilford), D'Youville shifted the momentum, taking an 11-8 lead. Despite STAC narrowing the gap, D'Youville maintained control, with Parker and Robinson delivering decisive kills. D'Youville closed out the set at 25-21, securing their advantage.

D'Youville seized control late in the third set, overcoming the Spartans with a decisive rally. Key contributions included Cleveland Brown Jr.'s (Blacklick, OH / Licking Heights) kill from Planz and a series of attack errors from STAC's, which were crucial in D'Youville's comeback. Parker also delivered pivotal plays, including a kill and benefiting from multiple STAC errors. The set concluded with D'Youville clinching the set 25-23, finalizing the match with a narrow victory.

Peyton Planz orchestrated the offense with 30 assists and contributed defensively with five total blocks. Parker led in scoring with 14 kills on 28 attempts, finishing with a .250 hitting percentage. Pizarro-Amaya was effective from the service line, delivering five aces and adding six kills. Robinson contributed with seven kills and two service aces, accumulating 10 points in the match.

Up Next
The Saints are back at home for a 12:00 PM matchup against the Dominican University of New York.