BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville fell to Daemen College in straight sets, 0-3, on Thursday evening at the Saints Center Gym. D'Youville (2-14, 0-4 NEC) recorded 30 kills, while Daemen (9-8, 3-1 NEC) registered 38 kills in the match.

The first set began with D'Youville hosting the Wildcats, where the visitors took an early lead. Samuel Pizarro-Amaya (Seattle, Wash. / Shoreline) and Ethan Robinson (Scarborough, Ontario / Neil McNeil) each contributed crucial kills to keep D'Youville competitive, with Andrew Haber (Whitby, Ontario / Brooklin) providing key assists. Despite several service errors from both sides, D'Youville managed to stay within reach, closing the gap at times with Robinson's offensive efforts. However, Daemen maintained control and closed out the set with a 25-20 advantage.

D'Youville opened the second set with a service ace from Ty Parker (Syracuse, N.Y. / JamesvIlle-Dewitt), but the teams quickly traded errors, keeping the score tight. Robinson's consistent performance was pivotal, contributing multiple kills, including one from Haber's assist, to keep D'Youville competitive. However, the Wildcats capitalized on D'Youville's errors and a series of attacks, eventually sealing the set 25-22. The match continued beyond this set.

D'Youville started strong in the third set with an early surge, highlighted by kills from Parker and Robinson, establishing a 2-0 lead. Despite a few points from Daemen, D'Youville maintained their momentum, with Luk Markwardt's (Luebeck, Germany / Leibniz Gymnasium Bad Schwartau)  kill extending their lead to 6-3. However, Daemen responded with a significant run, turning the tide at 11-10 with service aces contributing to their lead. 

D'Youville managed to keep the score close, narrowing the gap to 19-23 with contributions from Skyler Tutor (St. Cloud, FL / St. Cloud) /  and Robinson. Despite their efforts, Daemen capitalized on key opportunities and sealed the set with a 25-20 victory. The match concluded with Daemen's win in the third set.

Robinson led the effort with 15 kills and contributed defensively with four digs and two blocks, totaling 16.5 points. Haber posted an impressive .1000 hitting percentage, adding 18 assists and one service ace. Parker recorded four kills and one service ace, contributing 5.5 points overall. Peyton Planz assisted on eight plays across two sets, adding one dig to the team's defensive efforts.

Up next for D'Youville, Judson University will visit on Saturday, March 7. The match is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in Buffalo, N.Y.