BUFFALO, N.Y. – Michael Podgorny averaged 5.57 kills per set but the Hilbert College men's volleyball team went 0-2 in opening day of the NEAC cross over weekend hosted by D'Youville College.

The Hawks slipped in four sets to Keuka before they finished the day with a 3-0 loss to Wells. 

Adam Heftka was credited with 8.29 assists per set as Podgorny (2.57) and Tanner Makowski (2.14) were the only two players to post 2.0 or higher in digs per set.

Hilbert collected double-digit kills in three of the four sets against Keuka in the noon contest.  The Hawks slipped in the first set, 25-16, won the second 25-20, played to a competitive 25-22 loss and then suffered a 25-17 defeat.  Collectively, their strongest hitting percentage set (.226) was the second game which they won.   Keuka finished with a .252 attack percentage for the match as Hilbert closed with a .092 percent.

Podgorny reached his second 20 kill match of the season.  The 6'2 outside hitter ended with 23 kills (9e/56 a) for a .250 percent.   David Arlaud added seven kills (1 error).

Podgorny and Makowski notched double digit digs with 13 and 12 receptively.

Hilbert was much stronger hitters against Wells, though they suffered a 25-12, 25-17 and 25-22 defeat.  For the match, the Hawks worked for a .211 percent.

Heftka assisted on 25 of the Hawks' 31 kills and Podgorny benefited from the senior setter's passes posting 16 kills.  Makowski was two shy of ten kills and Heftka led with seven digs.

Heftka moved into solo possession as the program's leader in Block Assists after he added three more to his career total.  The Grand Island native needs just two more service aces to claim the #1 spot in the program's All Time list with two matches remaining.

Hilbert travels back to D'Youville for a 10 am game Sunday, April 2 against SUNY Poly which will conclude their NEAC schedule.  The Hawks will close their 2017 season with a 7pm game Tuesday, April 4 against Thiel College.  Prior to the first serve, the program will honor their six graduating seniors.