New York, NY - The University of Mount Saint Vincent's men's volleyball team went to Hunter College on Saturday for a non-conference tri-match against The City College of New York Beavers and the hosting Hawks. The Dolphins fell to the Hawks in just three sets, but were victorious in a five set thriller against the Beavers by the scores of 25-21, 25,22, 22-25, 25-27, and 15-12. 

It was a back-and-forth battle between the Dolphins and the Beavers. UMSV was able to establish and maintain their lead in the first set, until a 5-0 run from the Beavers tied things up. A late run from the Dolphins and a kill from sophomore Yestro Luciano Jr. would allow UMSV to take the first set. CCNY took control early in the second, securing an 11-8 lead, until the Dolphins went on a run, sparked by a kill from graduate student James Rose, to put them up 12-11. The Beavers responded and found themselves ahead yet again, but the Dolphins once again saw key kills from Luciano Jr. and Rose, and were able to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes to win the second set.

CCNY would go on to win both the third and fourth sets, however the Dolphins did not let up. Tied 7-7 in the final set, graduate student Felix Paulino set up freshman Tyler Hanna for a kill to get UMSV on a roll. The Beavers were able to tie things up again at 12-12, but the Dolphins took control to win the set and match, capped off by a service ace from Paulino. 

Rose registered 16 kills, 11 digs, and 3 service aces. Freshman Terrence Short also impressed, finishing with 11 kills, 3 digs, 2 service aces, and a block assist. Luciano Jr. had 10 kills, 6 digs, and 4 block assists, while senior Olatomiwa Ibitayo added 9 kills, 9 digs, 2 block assists, and a service ace. Paulino led the way with 43 assists, to go along with 10 digs, 3 service aces, 2 block assists, and a kill. Senior Carlos Martinez also chipped in with 11 digs and 5 assists. 

UMSV would struggle in their second match of the day against the Hawks, but once again saw many Dolphins contribute. Paulino finished with 6 assists, two service aces, and two digs. Luciano Jr. had three block assists and two kills, while Ibitayo had two block assists, two kills, and two digs. Freshman Miguel Calderon also registered two digs, and Short and Rose combined for 5 kills. 

Next up, the Dolphins will face St. Joseph's University-Long Island, the reigning Skyline champions, on Monday at 6PM in the Sharp Center.