HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Hilbert College men's volleyball team hosted their home opener for the 2016 season tonight!  The Hawks were up for the challenge of facing NEAC rival and league leaders, Medaille College.

Korey Schwab and Michael Podgorny each posted 10 kills for Hilbert in the 3-set loss to Medaille (25-20, 25-15, 25-19).

The Hawks challenged the Mavericks often tonight and forced several Medaille timeouts in the opening set.  Hilbert jumped out to a 6-3 lead in the second, but Medaille rallied back and never relinquished their hold on the game.  Late game blocks by the visitors took the wind out of Hilbert's sails as they fell by 10 points.  Hilbert stayed with the Mavs in the final set, but strong hitting by Medaille stretched their lead and the Hawks never recovered.

Hilbert earned 25 kills and a pair of service aces.  Hilbert finished with a .029 attack percentage while the Mavs collected 39 kills off a .326 performance at the net.

K Schwab and Podgorny were the only two Hawks to finish in the positive hitting.  Adam Heftka assisted on 14 of the Hawks kills and Brett Kane earned both the Hilbert aces tonight.  Trevor Gabamonte and Podgorny earned team-high six digs.

The Hawks return to the Hafner Recreation Center this Friday when they welcome Vassar College, #12 in Division III, to the court.    D'Youville College and Vassar will hit at 6pm and the Hawks game against the maroon and white will follow around 8pm.