POTSDAM, N.Y. - The SUNY Poly men's volleyball team lost to SUNY Potsdam on Tuesday night in the NECC Quarterfinal game.  Potsdam won in straight sets to advance to the semifinals of the NECC Tournament. The Bears displayed their prowess on the court, outhitting the Wildcats throughout the match. SUNY Potsdam emerged victorious with a final score of 3-0, winning the sets with scores of 25-23, 25-20, and 25-23.

SUNY Poly struggled to find their rhythm offensively but hit above their season average posting a .261 hitting percentage. Peter Gottler led the Wildcats' offensive charge with nine kills, closely followed by James Mion and Jason Aubrey with eight kills each. Nathan Farnham facilitated the team's offense effectively, recording 31 assists.

On the defensive end, SUNY Poly fought hard but couldn't contain the Bears' attacking onslaught. Jacob Wicher contributed to the team's defensive efforts, recording eight digs, while Jordan Weir and Kohei Clark added five digs each. However, the Wildcats were out-blocked by Potsdam who recorded total blocks to the Wildcats three.

SUNY Potsdam displayed a well-rounded performance, excelling in all facets of the game. Joe Zimmerman led the team's offensive charge with 12 kills, while Jason Hendler provided ample support with nine kills. Cooper Colesante orchestrated the Bears' offense, tallying 31 assists.

Defensively, SUNY Potsdam limited SUNY Poly's scoring opportunities. Joe Zimmerman and Zaire Rogers anchored the team's defensive efforts with nine and eight digs respectively, while Duncan Tenhagen and Matt Kilinski contributed five digs apiece. The Bears' blocking unit proved to be a force to be reckoned with, amassing 12 block assists as a team.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:

• Kohei Clark had an outstanding two-year career for the Wildcats. In 45 matches played, Clark had recorded 251 kills, 44 aces, 191 digs, and 25 total blocks. He was the team leader with 38 service aces this season and is second on the team with 187 kills. Clark will be graduating from SUNY Poly with a degree in Cyber Security.
• Nathan Farnham had a great career for the Wildcats. In his three seasons, Farnham has recorded 1971 assists which is fourth all-time at SUNY Poly. He is also second all-time in assists per set with 8.04 and is seventh all-time with 73 career service aces. Last season, Nate was a 1st Team All-NECC selection. Nate will graduate from SUNY Poly with a degree in Civil Engineering Technology.
• Patrick Farrell has been with the Wildcat men's volleyball team for three years but had this season cut short. He has appeared in eight matches with 17 sets played in two seasons and has six kills, nine assists, 15 digs, and seven total blocks. Farrell will be graduating from SUNY Poly with a degree in Computer Science.
• Jacob Wicher has played three seasons for the Wildcats. In 65 matches played, Wicher has recorded 347 digs, 14 aces, and 11 kills playing as either a Defensive specialist or a Libero. His 1.57 digs per set rank ninth all-time at SUNY Poly. Wicher will be graduating from SUNY Poly with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

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SUNY Poly is New York's globally recognized, high-tech educational ecosystem. SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience and nanoengineering, as well as cutting-edge nanobioscience programs at its Albany campus, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology, including engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, including natural sciences, game design, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences at its Utica campus; thriving athletic, recreational, and cultural programs, events, and activities complement the campus experience. As the world's most advanced, university-driven research enterprise, SUNY Poly boasts billions of dollars in high-tech investments and hundreds of corporate partners since its inception. For information visit www.sunypoly.edu.