Union, NJ - The University of Mount Saint Vincent opened the 2025 season on Saturday afternoon, traveling to New Jersey to take on Kean University and Purchase College in a tri-match hosted by the Cougars. The Dolphins would take one set from the Panthers before dropping their contest to Kean in consecutive sets to open their campaign with an 0-2 record. 

Fifth-year James Rose reprised his role as the team's top hitter, as the Manorville, New York native registered 15 kills across both contests, leading the teams in each game. Junior setter Matthew Barrancos was equally as impressive, as he would put together a robust stat line of 22 assists, seven digs, four kills, three service aces and two block assists against the Panthers before adding an additional 18 assists, five digs and three kills against the Cougars. Middles Olatomiwa Ibitayo and Yestro Luciano Jr. would add four kills apiece against the Panthers while Carlos Martinez and Felix Paulino added seven digs each. 

Equally as impressive were first-year talents Terrence Short and Tyler Hanna. Short, a Bronx native, finished second on the Dolphins with six kills in the Purchase contest before adding a seventh in his young career against Kean. Hanna added seven kills across both games while also combining for two solo blocks and six assists. Freshmen Miguel Calderon and Ethan Castrp also got their first taste of collegiate action. 

The Dolphins will be right back at it later this week, this time traveling to nearby Lehman College to take on the Lightning.