BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Hilbert College men's volleyball team improved to 3-1 (overall) after their straight-set victory over D'Youville College in North Eastern Athletic Conference action tonight. 

With the win, Hilbert jumped to the top in the NEAC league and dropped the Spartans to the bottom, as they are the only two programs to have played a conference game this early in the season.

Korey Schwab led the high-powered offense with 10 kills in 21 attempts (.333). Trailing right behind him were Tyler Sieczkarek and Michael Podgorny.  Sieczkarek hit exceptionally well finishing with eight kills in 13 attempts and only one hitting error (.538).  Podgorny collected nine kills as those three Hawks combined for 27 of the team's 37 kills (.233). 

Tanner Makowski posted six kills and Brett Kane closed-out the attack with four kills.

Adam Heftka was credited with all 33 of Hilbert's assist.

Podgorny (9), Korey Schwab (7) and Trevor Gabamonte (6) led the defensive effort in the back row with digs.  As a team, the Hawks finished with a pair of solo blocks (Korey Schwab and Makowski) and 12 block assists.  Kane picked up three block assists.

In the opening set, each team traded points until the score was 6-6.  The Spartans grabbed three quick points before Hilbert responded with the next four to take an 11-10 lead.  The Hawks never gave up their hold on the game and stretched their largest lead to five points (18-13) thanks to back-to-back kills.  Hilbert maintained enough separation to grab the 25-21 win.

Hilbert led from start to finish in the middle set.  The Hawks outlasted D'Youville's rallies, as the Spartans forced six different ties, but Hilbert never cracked by giving up the lead.  With the set at 20-20, Sieczkarek picked up a kill as Hilbert's only earned point in a 3-0 run.  Korey Schwab grabbed the 25th point at the net for the two-point victory.

D'Youville started the final set on top.  The Spartans held an 8-7 lead, but fell behind 10-8 three rotations later and couldn't recover after that.  Hilbert extended their lead by six points (15-9) and ran away with the final 25-18.

Even though they have a full week off before they play again, the Hawks will continue to train for their opening game at the Golden Flyer Invitational against the hosts, Nazareth College next Friday, February 5.