NEW YORK, NY - The Yeshiva University Men's Volleyball team faced a tough challenge in their home opener, taking on a strong non-conference opponent, the City College of New York Beavers. The Macs fought hard throughout the match but ultimately fell short, losing 3-0 on Thursday, February 13th.

The Macs showcased strong offensive performances from Massimo Bertini and Amiti Trabelsi. Bertini delivered an impressive six kills and an ace, while Trabelsi led the team with 13 assists and an ace, orchestrating the offense throughout the match.

Bertini proved to be a force on both ends of the court, not only contributing offensively but also making a strong defensive impact with three towering blocks at the net.

Teammates Yoni Rubin and Aden Frohlich also made key defensive contributions to the Mac backcourt, recording seven and six digs respectively.

With the loss, the Macs are now 0-5.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The match started with high energy as Yeshiva took an early 2-1 lead, fueled by a service ace from Trabelsi. However, errors allowed CCNY to regain control. Bertini kept the Macs in the fight with a powerful kill off a set from Gabe Simon-Hakalir, while he and Frohlich combined for a crucial block to stall CCNY's momentum.
   
• As the set progressed, Yeshiva fought back, with key plays from Osen and Frohlich bringing them within one at 11-10. The Macs surged ahead 15-13 after a Bertini service ace and a well-placed kill from Werta. Both teams battled relentlessly, exchanging points down the stretch, but in the final moments, CCNY capitalized on a service ace and a crucial block to edge out the Macs, 25-23 in a hard-fought opening set.
   
• The Macs carried the momentum from the previous set into set two, with Trabelsi and Rubin helping them take an early 2-0 lead. Both teams exchanged points back and forth, with no clear frontrunner. Kills from Osen and Werta gave the Macs a slight 6-4 lead. However, the Beavers soon took control, establishing key runs of their own. A kill from Bertini kept the Macs within 4 at 14-10, but the Beavers continued their surge. Despite some strong moments from the Macs, including a block from Bertini and Trabelsi, CCNY's consistent play helped them close out the set 25-11, putting them up 2-0 in the match.
   
• The third set proved to be yet another tightly contested battle, with both teams determined not to let the other go on a run. A kill from Osen tied the score at 4-all, followed by a kill from Trabelsi to keep the score deadlocked at 6-6. Both teams capitalized on their opponent's errors, ensuring the score remained close throughout. The Beavers managed to build a 23-18 lead, but the Macs refused to back down, narrowing the gap with strong play. However, CCNY held firm and secured the final points to win the set 25-23, clinching the match with a 3-0 victory.
   

MAC LEADERS

• Kills: Bertini (6), Werta (5), Osen (4)
• Aces: Trabelsi (2), Osen (2), Werta (1), Bertini (1)
• Assists: Trabelsi (13), Rubin (2), Bertini (2)
• Digs: Rubin (7), Frohlich (6), Werta (6)
• Blocks: Bertini (3)

 
UP NEXT
The Maccabees remain on their home court as they prepare to host another non-conference opponent, the Medgar Evers College Cougars, on February 16th at 1:00 PM.