New Jersey City University’s men’s volleyball team experienced its first loss of the season, falling 3-0 to nationally ranked Hobart College on Friday at Bristol Gym in Geneva, New York. This match marked the inaugural meeting between the two programs.
NJCU, which entered the contest with a 4-0 record, struggled offensively and finished with a -.111 hitting percentage and 14 kills. The team also committed 11 service errors during the match. Marcus Pardasie led NJCU with five kills, while Amaru Perales and Matt Peralta each contributed three kills. Alex Casais recorded 10 assists, and Mike McGehee tied for the team lead with four digs.
Hobart improved to a 4-4 record behind strong performances from Daniel Sappia, who posted eight kills with a .400 hitting percentage. Kian Kischke added six kills on nine attempts without an error for a .667 attack percentage. Harry Fromberg registered five kills on .714 hitting, while Noah DeLong and Aiden Kemora chipped in six kills apiece. Setter Charlie Dugan led all players with 27 assists.
In the opening set, Hobart established control early by taking a 7-1 lead and finishing with a .438 hitting percentage en route to a 25-10 win. NJCU managed just two kills in that set and committed five service errors.
The second set saw Hobart maintain momentum, again starting with a 7-1 run aided by three NJCU errors before securing a 25-12 victory behind an even higher .467 attack percentage.
NJCU showed more resistance in the third set as both teams traded points through several ties and lead changes. However, Hobart used an 11-2 run late in the frame to close out the match with a 25-17 decision.
NJCU will return to action on Sunday, February 1, facing Nazareth at 11:00 am followed by Trine at 1:00 pm.
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