ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College men's volleyball was defeated by New Jersey City University in straight sets Wednesday night at the Stevenson Athletic Center.

The loss moved the Raptors to 1-2 on the young season, while the Gothic Knights of New Jersey City were playing in their first contest of 2019. 

Set scores were 25-11, 25-11 and 25-18.

After suffering tough losses in the first two sets of the night, the Raptors rebounded in the set three. After Bard jumped out to an early 8-3 advantage in the set, the team looked primed to push the match to a fourth frame.

The Gothic Knights had other ideas however.

A 7-0 NJCU run quickly turned the tide for the guests, leaving the Raptors looking for answers once more, as they now trailed, 10-8.

Bard was able to respond by scoring six of the next seven points to regain the lead, 14-11, but New Jersey City wouldn't be denied on the night. The guests proceeded to outscore Bard, 14-4, over the rest of the match to take the set and game.

The Gothic Knights finished with 31 kills and just 10 errors on the night, and outpaced the Raptors in aces, blocks, digs and assists.

Individually, Tristan Kozul led the Bard attack with 10 kills in the effort. He also added seven digs and two aces, while Nic Smith collected 16 assists and Colin Schroeder finished with 10 digs. 

For New Jersey City, Alexander Umanzor (West New York, NJ) finished with 16 assists, seven digs and three aces. Jonathan Andrews (North Bergen, NJ) led the team with eight kills. 

Up next for the Raptors is the start of United Volleyball Conference play, as Bard hosts Nazareth on February 8th. That match is set for 7 p.m. and you can follow it here.