BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Despite a sluggish start, the Pratt Institute men's volleyball team battled back strong in sets three and four before ultimately falling to Cairn University, 3-1 (25-19, 25-12, 13-25, 25-18), in United East Conference play Wednesday night at the Activity Resource Center.
Brooks Reid led the way offensively for the Cannoneers (6-12, 0-6), registering a match-high 15 kills on an efficient .343 hitting to go with six digs. Max Wang added 10 kills along with two service aces and two blocks (one solo). Nathan Kim dished out 30 assists with three aces and six digs defensively. Jude Fox anchored the back line with a team-high seven digs. Wallace Hallot added five kills on .231 hitting with a solo block.
After a sluggish start, Pratt found renewed energy following the second set. The Cannoneers surged in set three, dominating on both sides of the net and hitting at an impressive .407 clip. Reid, Wang, and Micah-Jude Upshaw led the offensive surge combining for 10 kills as Pratt never trailed in a convincing 25-13 set win.
The gold-and-black carried their momentum into the fourth set, trading points throughout a tightly contested battle. Wang continued to shine landing five of his kills and it .625 in the frame and Reid added four more kills. Despite the strong play late from the Cannoneers, Cairn used a key 5-1 run after the 15-all mark to pull away for good and close out the match.
Cairn (6-7, 3-2) was spearheaded by Noah Ruiz Esparza, who tallied 13 kills. Jesse Stuart chipped in a 12-kill, 10-dig double-double and hit an efficient .478.
Pratt plays their final home game of the season this Saturday, March 29, celebrating Senior Day and hosting Gallaudet University at 3 p.m.
