BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The St. Joseph's University, New York (Brooklyn) men's volleyball team saw its three-game win streak come to a close on Saturday afternoon, falling to Sarah Lawrence College 2-3 at The Hill Center (25-18, 25-16, 24-26, 24-26, 15-17).
The Bears controlled the momentum to begin the match, gaining separation midway through the first set. After building a multi-point cushion behind swings from Jeremias Martinez (Elmhurst, N.Y.) and Etvola Sango (Kinshasa, DR Congo), the Bears maintained their advantage to take the set 25-18. The momentum carried into the second as a mid-set run fueled by Trey DeMeo (Barnegat, N.J.) extended the SJBK lead before taking a 2-0 match lead, earning the 25-16 set win.
Sarah Lawrence responded in the third set as the teams traded points throughout the frame. Neither side created significant separation before the Gryphons edged ahead in the closing rallies. Despite a late push from the Bears, the visitors captured the extended set, 26–24, to keep the match alive. The fourth set mirrored the third with both teams exchanging points deep into the set. Martinez continued to provide offense from the outside while Buscaglia spread the Bears' attack across the pins. However, the Gryphons again capitalized late to claim another 26–24 decision and force a deciding fifth set.
In the fifth, the teams battled through multiple ties before Sarah Lawrence created a slight edge late in the frame. St. Joseph's fought off match point to keep the set alive, but the Gryphons ultimately secured the final rally to take the set, 17–15, and complete the comeback victory.
Martinez (21), DeMeo (15), and Sango (14) led the Bears' attack. DeMeo hit at a .500 clip and Sango registered a hitting percentage of .417. Martinez and Sango also had three aces each while Martinez had 10 digs; logging his fourth double-double this season. Mark Belov (Brooklyn, N.Y.) was the team's leading blocker with seven followed by four from Martinez.
Matthe Cottone (Oakdale, N.Y.) had 17 digs, and Jack Buscaglia (Hackensack, N.J.) registered his first collegiate double-double behind 53 assists and 11 digs.
The Bears' three-match homestand concludes on Tuesday, March 17 at 7 pm against Yeshiva University.
