The New York University men's volleyball team lost in straight sets to host Benedictine University in its 2018 season opener on Friday, January 19, in Lisle, IL.  

NYU, ranked #5 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III poll, fell by scores of 25-17, 25-19, 25-23.

"We played OK for our first match of the year," said NYU Head Coach Jose Pina. "Benedictine is a pretty good team and I wouldn't be surprised if they make it to the NCAA Tournament."

The Violets (0-1) led by one point early in the first set, but with the score tied 7-7, the Eagles (3-0) scored the next seven points and led the rest of the way.

In the second set, NYU fell behind by as many as six points, but came back to tie at 15-15. Two more ties ensued before Benedictine took three straight points to take the lead for good.

The final set featured the Violets' largest lead of the match when Alex Li's kill gave NYU an 11-8 advantage. The Eagles scored the next three points, but the Violets again opened a three-point lead at 19-16.

However, Benedictine again used a 3-0 streak to force another tie.

The set was still knotted at 22-22, when the Eagles scored the next two. NYU staved off match point on a kill by Andrew Zhu, but then the Eagles clinched the victory on their own kill.

Li led the Violets with 13 kills and six digs.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

- Neil Ferraro finished with eight kills and a .400 hitting percentage.

- Matin Bikdeli led NYU with 28 assists. He also totaled four blocks.

- Elijah Medlock had 13 kills for the Eagles.

The Violets won't have to travel far when they return to the court tomorrow to take on North Central College and Marian University in a pair of matches hosted by North Central in Naperville, IL. NYU will take on the host Cardinals at 12pm (CT) before wrapping up its Midwest trip against Marian at 2:30pm (CT).

"We'll be healthier next week and those matches will be a better reflection of how good we can be," concluded Pina.