NEW YORK, NY - Continuing their homestand, the Yeshiva University Men's Volleyball Team took on The College at Old Westbury Panthers. Despite a hard-fought effort, the Macs fell short, losing the match 3-0 on Sunday, Feb. 23rd.

Jonathan Werta and Massimo Bertini led the offensive effort for the Macs, recording five and three kills respectively. Setter Amiti Trabelsi contributed eight assists on the night.

On the defensive end, libero Yoni Rubin notched a season-high 10 digs, while outside hitter Jonathan Werta followed closely behind with eight.

With the loss, the Macs are now 1-7, 0-1 in conference play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Macs came out strong against the Panthers, opening the match with an early kill from Bertini off an assist from Trabelsi. The Macs kept pace in the early exchanges, with Werta delivering a powerful kill and following up with a service ace to put Yeshiva ahead 3-1. Despite Yeshiva's early momentum, the Panthers responded with a series of well-executed attacks. The Macs continued to fight, as Menachem Solomon and Werta each tallied crucial kills to keep the score tight at 6-6. However, strong serving from the Panthers allowed them to regain control. Despite another kill from Werta and Trabelsi, the Macs found themselves trailing 16-10. The Macs struggled to overcome a run by the Panthers, ultimately dropping the first set, 25-10.
   
• Set two began with the Macs striking first, leading 2-0. They continued their aggressive play, with Bertini and Werta making key plays at the net to maintain a narrow 5-4 advantage. A service ace from Aden Frohlich extended Yeshiva's advantage, but the Panthers quickly responded with a scoring run of their own. Yeshiva kept pace with kills from Bertini and Frohlich, and a key block by Trabelsi brought the score to 14-13 in favor of the Macs. However, Old Westbury answered with a dominant stretch, capitalizing on attack errors and finishing the set with a strong serving run. The Macs were unable to make a comeback, droping the period, 25-15.
   
• The Macs started set number three strong, with Bertini and Frohlich registering early kills to take a 2-0 lead. Yeshiva stayed competitive in the opening rallies, with Werta and Frohlich contributing key defensive efforts at the net. However, a series of service aces and YU errors allowed the Panthers to build momentum and pull ahead. Despite a late kill from Werta to keep the Macs fighting, Old Westbury maintained their lead and closed out the set 25-11, ultimately winning the match in 3 sets.
   

MAC LEADERS

• Kills: Werta (5), Massimo (3), Frohlich (2)
• Aces: Werta (1), Frohlich (1), Massimo (1))
• Assists: Trabelsi (8), Rubin (1)
• Digs: Rubin (10), Werta (8), Frohlich (5)
• Blocks: Werta (1), Trabelsi (1), Massimo (1)

UP NEXT
The Macs will play their final non-conference game of the 2025 season against Lehman College, hosting the Lighting on Feb. 24th at 7:00 PM.