BRONX, N.Y. - The Lehman College men's volleyball team opened up the 2014 season in thrilling fashion, coming from behind to defeat Yeshiva University, 3-2, on Tuesday evening in the APEX. Set scores were 16-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-19, and 15-12.

The Lightning (1-0) got off to a sluggish start, falling in the first set. In the second, sophomore outside hitter Jaleel Lino (Bronx, N.Y./Toledo CC) slammed a kill home to give Lehman the early 1-0 lead. The home team had a slim 20-19 advantage later in the set, then scored five of the last seven points to even the match.

The Maccabees (0-1) would respond by claiming the third set, putting the Lightning on the brink. In the fourth set, Lehman played with desperation, scoring the first three points. After the visitors pulled to within 23-19, the Lightning scored the final two points of the set as junior outside hitter Miguel Gallardo's (Bronx, N.Y./Salesian) service ace clinched the fourth game.

With momentum on the home team's side, the Lightning started the rubber set strong by scoring the first five points. The Lightning would jump out to a 9-1 lead, but Yeshiva would not go down quietly as the Maccabees surged to an 11-4 run to cut the deficit to 13-12. Lehman would regain their composure as Lino recorded a kill on a set from sophomore setter Roberto Perez (Bronx, N.Y./Bronx Leadership Academy) to set up match point. Sophomore middle blocker Ramon Jimenez's (New York, N.Y./George Washington) service ace clinched the set and the match.

Lino led all players with 27 kills and added three service aces. Gallardo chipped in with 26 digs, 14 kills, three service aces, and a block. Senior middle blocker Ahmad Abugharbieh (Yonkers, N.Y./Yonkers) had six blocks while Jimenez had four blocks of his own. Perez registered 33 assists.

The Lightning will be back in action at the APEX on Thursday, January 30, against Purchase College. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.