NEW YORK, NY - The Yeshiva University Men's Volleyball team faced their final non-conference opponent of the season in a hard-fought match against the Lehman College Lightning. Despite their efforts, the Macs fell short, losing 3-1 on Monday, Feb. 24th.

Middle Blocker Massimo Bertini led the team in kills, recording a new career-high of eight. Aden Frohlich and Osen Peter also contributed to the Macs' offensive efforts, tallying six and four kills, respectively.

On the defensive end, Frohlich and Jonathan Werta combined for a total of 17 digs, while Bertini added two powerful solo blocks to reinforce the Macs' net presence.

With the loss, the Macs are now 1-8, 0-1 in conference play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Macs started the opening set with Gabe Simon-Hakalir kill giving Yeshiva their first points of the night off an assist from Bertini. Yeshiva fought to keep pace with Lehman, with Werta delivering a well-placed strike to cut the deficit to 6-3. However, a string of service aces and errors allowed Lehman to extend their lead to 14-3. Yeshiva responded with a small run of their own, capitalizing on errors from the Lightning and a crucial kill from Menachem Solomon to bring the score to 15-7. The Macs showed resilience, as Bertini added to the effort with a kill, keeping Yeshiva within striking distance at 20-13. However, despite their efforts, Lehman maintained control down the stretch, using strong serves and efficient attacking to close out the first set 25-14.
   
• The Macs came out stronger in the second set, capitalizing on Lehman's early mistakes to keep the score tied at 3. The Macs then took their first lead of the set, making it 5-4. Osen and Bertini played key roles in Yeshiva's offensive efforts, with Bertini adding a crucial block to cut the Lightning's lead to 17-16, as the Macs continued to fight back. As the set neared its conclusion, outside hitter Frohlich delivered a key kill off an assist from Werta to tie the score at 20-20. The Macs continued to battle, staying within one point of Lehman at 24-23 after another clutch kill by Bertini. However, Lehman secured the set with a final kill, edging out Yeshiva 25-23 in a highly competitive battle.
   
• Yeshiva came out strong in the third set, with Bertini and Werta leading the early offense. The Macs built an early 8-3 lead. Lehman, however, responded with a surge of their own to bring the Lightning back into the game. The set remained close with back-and-forth points. As the set was coming to an end, Lehman appeared to be in control, reaching set point at 24-21. But Yeshiva staged an incredible comeback and stepped up defensively. Bertini's block and a final attack error by the Lightning completed the comeback, as Yeshiva stunned Lehman with a 26-24 win to extend the match.
   
• Yeshiva started set four with an early 1-0 lead, but Lehman quickly took control. Despite Yeshiva's attempts to stay in the match with kills from Bertini and Frohlich, Lehman built momentum and were able to push their advantage to 15-6. The Macs continued to struggle, giving the Lightning an ability to extend their lead. Though Bertini and Frohlich contributed late kills, the deficit was too large to overcome, as Lehman closed out the set 25-13, securing the match victory.
   

MAC LEADERS

• Kills: Bertini (8), Frohlich (6), Osen (4)
• Aces: Trabelsi (2)
• Assists: Trabelsi (11), Lesnoy (6), Werta (1)
• Digs: Frohlich (9), Werta (8), Lesnoy (6)
• Blocks: Bertini (2)

 
UP NEXT
After a long stretch of home games, the Macs will go on the road as they face off against the University of Mount Saint Vincet Dolphins on Thursday Feb. 27th at 6:00 PM.