RIVERDALE, N.Y. — D'Youville (2-17, 0-6 NEC) fell to Manhattan College (8-11, 5-1 NEC) in straight sets, 12-25, 17-25, 16-25, on Saturday at Draddy Gymnasium. Despite the loss, D'Youville's second set featured a .207 hitting percentage, marking their strongest offensive performance of the match.

The match began with the Jaspers securing an early advantage, initiated by two consecutive service aces, which contributed to a 6-0 run. D'Youville responded with Ethan Robinson's (Scarborough, Ontario / Neil McNeil) kill, breaking the Jaspers' streak and adding a point to the visitor's tally. Despite efforts from Robinson and Luk Markwardt (Luebeck, Germany / Leibniz Gymnasium Bad Schwartau), who both recorded multiple kills, D'Youville struggled to maintain momentum against the Jaspers' consistent offense.

Throughout the period, the Jaspers maintained control, capitalizing on several attack errors by D'Youville. Andrew Vensko (Columbus, OH / Pickerington North) assisted on key plays for D'Youville, but it was insufficient to turn the tide. The Jaspers closed the period with a 25-12 lead, concluding the first set decisively in their favor.

D'Youville managed to close the gap significantly in the second period with a series of strategic plays, including a block by Ty Parker (Syracuse, N.Y. / Jamesville-Dewitt) and Ethan Robinson that forced an attack error at 8-9. Robinson and Skyler Tutor (St. Cloud, FL / St. Cloud) combined effectively, with Robinson contributing crucial kills that kept D'Youville within reach at 12-14. Despite these efforts, the Jaspers maintained their lead, ultimately securing the period 25-17 with consistent offensive pressure.

D'Youville began the third period with a brief surge, turning the tide after an initial setback. Parker's kill, assisted by Vensko, tied the score, followed by Robinson's service ace that pushed D'Youville to a 3-1 lead. However, a series of service errors and the Jaspers' consistent offense, including a service ace at 5-8, allowed the home team to reclaim control.

Despite efforts by D'Youville, including Markwardt's two kills, the Jaspers maintained their edge throughout the period. Ultimately, they secured the set, ending the contest with a 25-16 victory over D'Youville.

Robinson led D'Youville with 10 kills and added one ace, contributing significantly to his 11.5 total points. Vensko facilitated the offense with 17 assists and recorded a perfect hitting percentage of 1.000 on one attempt. Parker also achieved a 1.000 hitting percentage, registering one kill on his sole attempt while contributing 1.5 points. Cleveland Brown Jr. played a key role defensively, collecting six digs over the match.

Looking ahead, D'Youville will face Fairleigh Dickinson University on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at their home venue in Buffalo, New York.