Box Score

The Lehman College men's volleyball team (0-1 Overall, 0-0 CUNYAC) dropped their season-opening match, falling to the Gothic Knights of New Jersey City University (1-0 Overall, 0-0 NECVA) by scores of 13-30, 12-30, and 29-31 Thursday evening at the APEX Center in the Bronx. The Gothic Knights won the first two sets in convincing fashion, but the Lightning made things difficult in set number three, holding a 26-24 lead before NJCU stormed back to capture the set – and essentially – the match.

In the victory for New Jersey City University, the Gothic Knights were led by Austin Bryant who tied for his team's high in kills with nine while also adding six digs. Casey Blake also tallied nine kills while contributing four block solos, and Danny Kochanski finished the evening with seven kills and three digs. As a team, the Gothic Knights hit .295. New Jersey City University tallied 29 kills on the evening as well (including 15 from Jorge Rodriguez and 12 from Felipe Siqueira).

Despite the loss for the Lightning, Lehman was led by Nate Martin who posted match-highs in kills with 10 and digs with 11. Standout RJ LeBlanc also added nine kills and five digs, and Rafael Abreu contributed 11 assists. Following the match, head coach Wolfgang Lucena gave his thoughts.

“I am very proud of the way we fought in the third set after falling behind 2-0,” Lucena said. “We showed fight and we showed promise, and we were also a little short-handed tonight in terms of our players, but this team will shake off this loss and we'll be ready for Saturday's match with Bard.”

The Lightning return to action on Saturday afternoon as the team will participate in another non-conference match, this time against Bard College on the road. Match-time is set for 2:00pm.