BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville fell to Judson (IL) 3-1 on Saturday at the Saints Center Gym. D'Youville (2-15, 0-4 NEC) captured the first set 25-20, but Judson rallied to take the next three sets 25-21, 25-22, and 25-21.

The first set began with D'Youville establishing a quick lead, capitalizing on Judson's errors and effective playmaking. Skyler Tutor (St. Cloud, FL / St. Cloud) initiated scoring with a kill, assisted by Peyton Planz (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Shaler Area), as D'Youville took control early. The Eagles attempted to close the gap, but D'Youville maintained its advantage through consistent scoring from Jaden Webster (Rockford, Ill. / Guilford) and Luk Markwardt (Luebeck, Germany / Leibniz Gymnasium Bad Schwartau), both benefiting from Planz's assists. Despite a brief rally from the Eagles, D'Youville secured the set with a final block from Owen Solis (Indianapolis, Ind. / Hamilton Southeastern) and Webster. The set ended with D'Youville leading 25-20.

D'Youville faced challenges throughout the second set, starting with Judson taking an initial 4-0 lead. Webster and Markwardt contributed key kills, helping D'Youville narrow the gap to 10-8. Despite their efforts, service errors hindered momentum, and the Eagles maintained control. Dempsey Ptaszkiewicz's (Cincinnati, OH / Bishop Fenwick) late-set kill brought the score to 21-20, but Judson closed the set with a 25-21 victory.

In the third set, D'Youville experienced a series of service errors from both teams, which kept the score tight. D'Youville initially held a small lead with key plays such as a block by Markwardt and Webster, but Judson countered effectively, capitalizing on D'Youville's errors. Despite strong kills from Webster and Markwardt, the Eagles' offensive pressure, ultimately edged them ahead. The set concluded with Judson claiming a narrow 25-22 victory.

D'Youville and the Eagles entered a closely contested fourth set with several lead changes. D'Youville kept pace early with kills from Ty Parker (Syracuse, N.Y. / Jamesville-Dewitt) and Markwardt, both assisted by Drew Vensko (Columbus, OH / Pickerington North). Midway through, Ptaszkiewicz contributed critical points with a block and a kill, keeping the scores tight. However, Judson pulled ahead in the closing moments, capitalizing on D'Youville's attack errors to secure the set 25-21. The match concluded with Judson winning.

Markwardt tallied a team-high 16 points, contributing 13 kills, one ace, and three blocks over four sets. Planz recorded 16 assists and added three digs across two sets. Webster posted six kills and led with five total blocks, including one solo block. Ptaszkiewicz finished with seven kills on a .333 hitting percentage, alongside two blocks in four sets.

Up Next
The Saints are back to NEC Conference play as they travel to take on Manhattan University on March 20th and 21st.