BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville (2-20, 0-8 NEC) narrowly fell to Roberts Wesleyan (16-10, 3-1 ECC) in a five-set contest, with a final score of 2-3 at the Saints Center Gym on Wednesday evening. Despite the loss, D'Youville recorded 40 kills and achieved five service aces.

The first set began with a tense back-and-forth between D'Youville and Roberts Wesleyan, each side exchanging points early. D'Youville's Skyler Tutor (St. Cloud, FL / St. Cloud) and Jaden Webster (Rockford, Ill. / Guilford) contributed crucial kills, helping the home team maintain a narrow lead. As the period progressed, Roberts Wesleyan briefly pulled ahead, but D'Youville responded effectively, capitalizing on errors from the visitors and regaining momentum. In a dramatic conclusion, D'Youville's Ty Parker (Syracuse, N.Y. / Jamesville-Dewitt) secured the final point with a block, resulting in a 27-25 victory for the period.

D'Youville capitalized on several crucial errors by the Redhawks to secure a momentum shift in the second set. Key points included an extended series where D'Youville benefited from attack errors by the Redhawks, contributing to a lead. Ethan Robinson (Scarborough, Ontario / Neil McNeil) and Ty Parker delivered pivotal kills, with Parker's kill at 20-17 marking a significant advantage. Despite some back-and-forth exchanges, D'Youville maintained its composure, sealing the period at 25-21 following a service error by the Redhawks. The match continued with D'Youville holding an edge.

In the third set, D'Youville made an early impact with kills from Skyler Tutor and Ethan Robinson, assisted by Peyton Planz (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Shaler Area), keeping the score tight. D'Youville took a narrow lead, reaching 10-6 following a series of attack errors by the Redhawks. However, the momentum shifted when a few service errors and successful kills by the Redhawks allowed a comeback, tying the score at 15-15.

D'Youville briefly regained the lead with points from Ty Parker and Skyler Tutor, but late errors and a strong finish from the Redhawks, including a decisive kill, sealed the set 25-1 in favor of Roberts Wesleyan. 

D'Youville struggled to gain momentum in the fourth set, with Ethan Robinson providing some offensive highlights, securing multiple kills to keep the team competitive. Despite Robinson's efforts, including a kill from Ty Parker's assist, D'Youville faced challenges with several attack errors and service errors that allowed the Redhawks to maintain their lead. The Redhawks capitalized on these errors and extended their advantage, ultimately closing the set with a win at 25-14. 

D'Youville began the fifth set with an early kill by Skyler Tutor, assisted by Peyton Planz, establishing a quick lead. Despite a series of service errors and attack errors, D'Youville managed to keep the score tight, with key kills from Jaden Webster and Ethan Robinson helping to maintain pressure on the Redhawks. As the period progressed, a notable defensive block by Ty Parker and Ethan Robinson brought D'Youville back to a tie at 11-11. However, the momentum shifted when D'Youville's service errors allowed the Redhawks to capitalize, leading to a narrow 16-14 win in the deciding set. The game concluded with the Redhawks securing the victory.

Ethan Robinson led the team with 15 kills on 33 attempts and added a service ace, contributing significantly to his 18 total points. Peyton Planz facilitated the offense with 35 assists, ensuring effective ball distribution throughout the match. Ty Parker made a defensive impact with five total blocks and added seven kills, while Skyler Tutor recorded eight kills and two service aces, enhancing the team's offensive efforts.

The Saints are back to NEC Conference play at home on April 10th and 11th as they host Saint Francis University.