JERSEY CITY, NJ - The Yeshiva University Men's Volleyball Team traveled to Jersey City for their final tri-match of the 2025 season, facing the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights and the Sarah Lawrence College Gryphons. Despite a determined effort, the Macs fell short in both matches, dropping each by a score of 3-0 on Sunday, March 30th.

Jonathan Werta led the charge for the Macs, tallying a team-high 13 kills across both matches. Setter Amiti Trabelsi played a crucial role in facilitating the offense, dishing out 19 assists while also contributing three kills, two blocks, and five digs.

On the defensive end, Yoni Rubin and Aden Frohlich anchored the backcourt, combining for 17 digs to keep plays alive.

With the losses the Macs are now 1-24, 0-16 in conference play.

HOW IT HAPPENED – Game 1 vs New Jersey City University (L, 0-3)

• The Macs traded early errors with NJCU in the first set, keeping the score even at 1-1. However, NJCU quickly built momentum behind strong offensive plays pulling ahead 6-1. Werta responded with a kill, breaking the Macs' scoring drought, and a Gothic Knights attack error helped keep Yeshiva within reach at 7-3. Despite key kills from Trabelsi, Werta, and Ari Shklyar, NJCU maintained control with efficient attacking, extending their lead to 18-8. Yeshiva fought back with a block from Massimo Bertini and Werta, as well as timely kills from Frohlich. A late surge, including an attack error by NJCU, brought the Macs within striking distance at 23-13. However, NJCU sealed the first set 25-13 in favor of the Gothic Knights.
   
• Set two started out in the Gothic Knight's favor establishing early dominance with a relentless offensive run as they surged to a 10-0 lead before the Macs could get on the board. Yeshiva finally broke through with an attack error from NJCU, followed by a service error that gave them a brief respite. Despite kills from Werta and Bertini, the Macs struggled to slow down NJCU's aggressive attack. A final kill by Bertini giving the Macs their ninth and final point of the set, as the Gothic Knights established a lead too far to come back from. NJCU secured a 25-9 win, putting Yeshiva in a 2-0 match deficit.
   
• Looking to extend the match, the Yeshiva University Macs battled hard in the third set. However, NJCU jumped out to a quick lead, fueled by back-to-back service aces. The Macs got on the board following a service error but struggled to gain momentum as NJCU's aggressive serving and efficient net play pushed them ahead 10-1. Werta and Bertini provided a spark for Yeshiva with consecutive kills, and a few service errors from NJCU cut the deficit to 17-9. However, NJCU quickly responded by extending their lead. The Macs continued to fight, with Werta finding success at the net off of a set from Trabelsi and Bertini capitalizing on NJCU's errors. Late in the set, a service error by NJCU and a bad set by Bhatti allowed Yeshiva to creep within 23-14. However, a final service error from the Macs gave NJCU match point, and they sealed the set 25-14, securing the 3-0 sweep.

MAC LEADERS

• Kills: Werta (7), Bertini (2), Trabelsi (1)
• Blocks: Bertini (2), Werta (1)
• Assists: Trabelsi (10), Rubin (1)
• Digs: Frohlich (5), Rubin (3), Trabelsi (2)

 
HOW IT HAPPENED – Game 2 vs Sarah Lawrence College (L, 0-3)

• Set one began with Sarah Lawrence coming out strong, building an early 6-0 lead. Yeshiva's first points of the match came from a Trabelsi kill off a set from Rubin. Followed by a Gryphon attack error giving the Macs an opportunity to close the gap. Yeshiva managed to find some offensive rhythm with kills from Werta and Frohlich, but Sarah Lawrence maintained control with strong attacking and capitalizing on Yeshiva's attack errors and blocking struggles. Giving the Gryphons a chance to pull away as they were up by ten. Despite key kills from Shklyar and a block from Shklyar and Trabelsi, the Macs could not close the gap as Sarah Lawrence extended their lead to 21-8. Yeshiva attempted a late push with Bertini and Werta finding the floor, but a final kill by the Gryphons sealed the first set for Sarah Lawrence, 25-13.
   
• Yeshiva started the second set with an early kill by Werta, but Sarah Lawrence quickly responded with strong offensive play. Both teams struggled with service errors early on, but the Gryphons were able to find their rhythm. The turning point came when the Gryphons went on a dominant serving run, recording multiple aces and putting Yeshiva on the defensive. Sarah Lawrence extended their lead to 18-4 and their serves overwhelmed Yeshiva's serve reception. Despite a brief push from Werta and Bertini, Yeshiva couldn't regain momentum. Late in the set, service aces sealed the deal for Sarah Lawrence, closing out the set 25-6.
   
• The final set began as a back-and-forth battle, with Yeshiva staying competitive early on. Shklyar and Trabelsi combined for key kills to keep the Maccabees within striking distance. However, Sarah Lawrence's offense quickly found its rhythm. Yeshiva had a brief run thanks to service errors by Sarah Lawrence and a few well placed attacks by Werta, but the Gryphons soon took control. The Gryphons were able to close it out 25-10, sweeping the match.

MAC LEADERS

• Kills: Werta (6), Bertini (3), Trabelsi (2)
• Blocks: Trabelsi (1), Shklyar (1)
• Assists: Trabelsi (9), Rubin (2), Shklyar (1)
• Digs: Rubin (6), Trablesi (3), Frohlich (3)

 
UP NEXT
The Macs will host their final home game of the season against the Purchase College Panthers on Monday, March 31st, at 7:30 PM. This game holds special significance as the team will also honor its graduating seniors in a celebratory Senior Night.