Nassau Community College men's volleyball earned a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Atlantic Cape Community College on Tuesday night, prevailing in a tightly contested match that featured long rallies and multiple momentum swings. The Lions improved to 3-2 on the season with the win. Nassau showed resilience and composure in a match that demanded consistency and patience. After dropping two tightly contested sets, the Lions responded with improved efficiency and defensive execution to close out the win.

How It Happened

The opening set set the tone for the night, with neither team able to create separation. Nassau erased an early deficit behind service pressure from Johncarlo Rivera and strong blocking at the net, but Atlantic Cape pulled out a 26-24 win after closing on a late run.

Nassau responded in the second set with its most efficient offensive stretch of the match. Thomas Wildeman and Dillon Wallace combined for key kills during a mid-set surge, and the Lions hit .341 in the frame to claim a 30-28 win and even the match.

Atlantic Cape regained the advantage in the third set, capitalizing on extended rallies and limiting Nassau's transition opportunities to take the set 26-24. Facing elimination, the Lions answered in the fourth with improved defensive play. Rivera and Tristan Harrison delivered timely swings, while the block helped Nassau build a late cushion and force a deciding fifth set with a 32-30 win.

In the fifth, Nassau seized control early. Wildeman opened the set with back-to-back kills, and Dom Cieleski directed the offense efficiently as the Lions jumped out to a quick lead. Atlantic Cape made one final push, but Nassau closed the match with three straight points to secure the 15-11 victory.

By the Numbers

• Thomas Wildeman led Nassau with 19 kills and added 16 digs.
• Johncarlo Rivera recorded 11 kills on .588 hitting and added six digs.
• Dillon Wallace finished with 12 kills and three blocks.
• Dom Cieleski dished out 51 assists while adding 10 digs.
• Nassau totaled 12 team blocks and held Atlantic Cape to a .120 hitting percentage.
• The Lions recorded 61 assists and outscored Atlantic Cape in the decisive fifth set 15-11.

Up Next

Nassau will face Middlesex County College at home on Friday, February 6th at 7 PM. Nassau won the first meeting of the season against Middlesex County by a score of 3-1 on January 30th.

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