BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville (2-19, 0-8 NEC) fell in straight sets to FDU (10-9, 4-2 NEC) on Saturday afternoon at the Saints Center Gym, with scores of 13-25, 20-25, and 15-25. Despite the loss, D'Youville recorded six service aces in the match.

The match began with both teams trading early errors, but D'Youville managed to tie the score at 2-2 after a block by Jaden Webster (Rockford, Ill. / Guilford) and Skyler Tutor (St. Cloud, FL / St. Cloud). Despite this brief momentum, the Knights capitalized on multiple service aces and kills, extending their lead. D'Youville responded with key kills from Ty Parker (Syracuse, N.Y. / Jamesville-Dewitt) and Webster, but the consistent scoring from the Knights proved difficult to overcome. The period concluded with the Knights leading 25-13.

D'Youville initially gained momentum in the second period with an early service ace by Andrew Haber (Whitby, Ontario / Brooklin), leveling the score at 1-1. Parker contributed significantly with multiple kills, including one assisted by Haber. Despite these efforts, the Knights maintained pressure with key plays, including a service ace and several kills that extended their lead. D'Youville showed resilience towards the end, with blocks by Dempsey Ptaszkiewicz (Cincinnati, OH / Bishop Fenwick) and Haber narrowing the gap. However, a service error concluded the period, resulting in a 25-20 score in favor of the Knights.

D'Youville started the third set capitalizing on the Knights' service errors, bringing the score to 4-2. Luk Markwardt (Luebeck, Germany / Leibniz Gymnasium Bad Schwartau) and Daniel Seymour (Belmore, N.Y. / John F. Kennedy) contributed with a kill and a service ace, to close the gap to 5-4. Despite these efforts, the Knights maintained control with a series of successful plays, extending their lead to 11-6. D'Youville's Deeraj Varma (Gaithersburg, Md. / Quince Orchard) and Webster responded with kills, but the Knights' effective blocking and attacks pushed the score to 17-10. The set concluded with the Knights holding a 25-15 advantage, ending the game.

Webster led the performance with six kills on 11 attempts, achieving a .545 hitting percentage and contributing two blocks. Haber recorded nine assists and added three total blocks, including one solo block. Parker contributed four kills and two service aces, finishing with a total of six points. Cleveland Brown Jr. (Blacklick, OH / Licking Heights) highlighted the defensive effort with five digs over three sets.

The Saints continue on at home with a non-conference matchup against Roberts Wesleyan University on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 6:00 pm.