Riverdale, NY - The College of Mount Saint Vincent's men's volleyball team entered Thursday winners of three straight and going head to head in their biggest match of the season - a showdown against New Jersey City University. The battle between the current three and four seeds in the Skyline Conference postseason picture had a playoff-like atmosphere; and despite losing to the Gothic Knights in straight sets, the team looked ready to finish the season strong before making a playoff run. 

The final score read 25-14, 25-19 and 25-20, with NJCU winning in straight sets. But the scoreboard didn't tell the whole story for a Dolphins team that went toe-to-toe with one of the premiere teams in the conference. 

The Dolphins were flying all over the court, continuously making big plays out of the field of play. The first set was a one point game up until the 14th point, while CMSV led at different times late in both the second and third sets. 

Nearly all players on the court were getting touches, with Terence Strehle and Kyle Thompson leading the way. Strehle came through for his team with nine kills while Thompson had eight of his own, doing their part in keeping the game in check. Kevin Erhand, known largely for his hitting, was the team's top table setter with 11 assists. Felix Paulino paced the team with five digs while Samuel Martinez added one solo block and three assisted blocks. 

The good thing for the Dolphins is that they get right back out on the court this weekend against NJCU on the road. They'll also compete against Sarah Lawrence College in the tri-match hosted by the Gothic Knights to further prepare for the postseason.