Hamburg, N.Y. - The Hilbert College men's volleyball team celebrated senior
Ryan Ratajczak's 1,000th career dig in tonight's 3-1 loss to Penn State Behrend. Ratajczak recorded a game-high 19 digs over the four sets. He currently holds the record for career digs with 1,012 and 3.02digs per set.
The Hawks came out on fire, energized by the chance of 1,000 digs for Ratajczak.
Korey Schwab led Hilbert with six kills in the first set to help power the Hawks to a 25-21 victory to claim the first set. Ratajczak only needed two digs heading into the second.
The Lions of Penn State Behrend came out with passion in the second set jumping to a quick lead. The Hawks battled back but the Lions maintained a five-point advantage most of the set. On a long rally between the two teams, Ratajczak picked up three digs, including his 1,000th. The Hawks fell in the second set 25-17.
Hilbert could not match their intensity of the first set and the Hawks dropped the third set 25-11. The Lions only recorded 10 kills in the win and the rest of their points came off Hawk errors.
Hilbert trailed 18-9 in the fourth set but was able to cut it to 19-14. Despite showing spurts of a comeback, the Hawks' seven kills were no match for the Lions' 18 kills and Hilbert fell 25-18.
Korey Schwab recorded a game-high 16 kills along with three digs and two block assists.
Adam Heftka continued his strong passing, dishing out 27 assists on Hilbert's 31 kills.
David Mellerski finished the night with six kills and ten digs, while
Andrew Duncan added three block assists and one solo block.
The Lions' offense was fueled by four players who all recorded double-digit kills. Josh Oertly was credited with 14 kills and Eric Theiss contributed 13 kills and seven digs. Trenton Munk and Derek Polishen each finished with 11 kills. Mitch Farabaugh added a game-high 42 assists to go along with his 11 digs.
The Hawks (0-12) travel to D'Youville on Sunday, February 22 where they play two cross-town NEAC games. Hilbert and Medaille College take the court at the College Center gym at 1pm and then face D'Youville at 3 pm.
