In a highly anticipated matchup between two nationally ranked programs, #3 Nassau Community College earned a statement victory over #4 Union County College in a five-set battle on Wednesday night, prevailing in a high-level battle between NJCAA contenders. This top-five clash showcased two of the NJCAA's elite programs, and Nassau rose to the occasion. The Lions' balanced offense, steady passing, and disciplined net play proved decisive against a formidable Union County squad. With the victory, Nassau solidifies its standing among the nation's top programs and continues building momentum entering conference play.
How It Happened
Set 1 (Nassau 25, UCNJ 20)
Nassau set the tone early behind aggressive serving and steady sideout play. Thomas Wildeman delivered two early service aces to help the Lions build momentum, and Tristan Harrison added an ace as Nassau pushed in front 9-6. After Union County worked back to even at 15-15, Nassau delivered the decisive surge: Wildeman and Johncarlo Rivera teamed up on a key block, Rivera finished points at the net, and the Lions turned a tight stretch into a 20-17 cushion. Nassau kept the pressure on from there, using another strong block from Dillon Wallace and Rivera to reach set point (24-20) before a final Union County attack error sealed the opener.
Set 2 (UCNJ 25, Nassau 22)
The second set turned into a back-and-forth battle with both teams trading runs. Wildeman sparked Nassau with two more service aces early, and Wallace and Brandon Barrios chipped in timely kills as the Lions stayed within striking distance. Nassau made a late push to cut the deficit to 24-22, highlighted by back-to-back Harrison kills off Dom Cieleski assists, but Union County closed out the set to even the match.
Set 3 (UCNJ 27, Nassau 25)
Set three was a heavyweight round. Nassau stayed composed through long exchanges and kept answering with points from Rivera and Harrison, while Wildeman continued to score in rhythm off Cieleski's distribution. With the set tightening late, Nassau battled to 23-23 and then fought off pressure to keep it alive, including a big Harrison kill to tie it at 25-25. Union County ultimately grabbed the final two points to steal the set 27-25, despite Nassau's late-set resilience.
Set 4 (Nassau 25, UCNJ 23)
Needing a response, Nassau delivered its sharpest start of the night. The Lions jumped out 4-0, with Wildeman scoring early and Nassau forcing errors and tough swings. Union County eventually leveled the score, but Nassau stayed steady in the middle portion of the set as Harrison added a service ace and Rivera continued to score in key moments. Down the stretch, Nassau made the winning plays: Joseph Woods delivered multiple big touches at the net and finished points, and Nassau used a late burst to move in front 24-21. Union County closed to 24-23, but Woods ended the set with a kill off a Cieleski assist to force a fifth.
Set 5 (Nassau 15, UCNJ 12)
Union County opened the tiebreaker with early momentum, but Nassau never let the set get away. Rivera stopped the run with a kill, then the Lions settled in and found points through disciplined defense and timely swings. Barrios flipped the set with a huge service ace that pushed Nassau ahead 8-7, and the Lions' block took over in the middle stages—Woods came up with a key stuff, and Nassau turned consecutive Union County attack errors into a 11-9 advantage. From there, Nassau stayed composed in the biggest moments: Rivera and Wildeman delivered late kills to stretch the lead to 14-11, and Wildeman's final swing finished the match at 15-12.
By the Numbers
- Thomas Wildeman led Nassau with 16 kills, four service aces, and 21 points.
- Johncarlo Rivera added nine kills and was a presence at the night with eight block assists.
- Tristan Harrison finished with nine kills and three aces.
- Dillon Wallace contributed five kills and six block assists.
- Dom Cieleski paced the offense with 34 assists and added nine digs.
- Nassau totaled 18 blocks and nine service aces in the five-set win.
Up Next
Nassau begins Region XV conference play in a double dual in Manhattan on Saturday against Hostos Community College and Borough of Manhattan Community College.
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