BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The St. Joseph's University, N.Y. – Brooklyn men's volleyball team battled against New Jersey City University on Thursday evening at The Hill Center, falling 0-3 (19-25, 15-25, 14-25)
How it Happened
The Bears kept the set competitive through the first half. Jeremias Martinez (Elmhurst, N.Y.) and Matthew Kotsatos (Brooklyn, N.Y.) found holes in the Gothic Knights' defense to provide early offensive production. However, NJCU forced St. Joseph's into multiple errors, allowing the Gothic Knights to pull ahead late. The Bears put up a fight with scrappy defensive plays from Matthew Cottone (Oakdale, N.Y.) and Christopher Armstrong III (Buffalo, N.Y.), but NJCU closed the set with a late scoring run, winning 25-19.
The Gothic Knights took control early with a quick 6-1 lead. The Bears struggled to contain NJCU's powerful attack. Martinez remained the primary offensive threat for the Bears, picking up a few crucial kills to stop NJCU's momentum. Unfortunately, St. Joseph's couldn't keep up and the Gothic Knights extended their lead to take the set, 25-14.
Determined to extend the match, St. Joseph's came out with intensity in the third set; matching the Gothic Knights point for point, with Kotsatos and Martinez leading the attack. However, as the set progressed, the Bears struggled to regain control. A strong mid-set surge by visitors created a sizable gap, and SJBK could not mount a comeback. The Gothic Knights closed out the set with a final scoring run, securing the match victory.
For the Bears
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Martinez led the team with nine kills, as many digs, three aces, and 12 points.
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Cottone brought up seven digs.
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Kotsatos had five kills and three digs, hitting at a .250 clip.
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Armstrong logged four kills.
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Gianfranco Guarraci (Elizabeth, N.J.) handed out 18 assists.
Up Next
The Bears host their final matches of the season on Saturday, March 29 as part of a Skyline Conference tri-match. They will first take on the University of Mount Saint Vincent at noon before facing Ramapo College at 4 pm.
