POTSDAM, NY – The #17 Buffalo State men's volleyball team gritted out a five-set win over the St. John Fisher Cardinals, 3-2, in the home opener of the 2026 season.

GAME BASICS

FINAL SCORE: Buffalo State – 3, St. John Fisher – 2
SET SCORES: (21-25, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, 15-10)
LOCATION: Sports Arena – Buffalo, NY
RECORDS: Buffalo State: 7-0 (0-0 AMCC), St. John Fisher: 4-3 (0-0 UVC)

INSIDE THE BENGAL BOX SCORE

• Gavin Wilczewski (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora) led the Bengals with 22 kills, which ties the Buffalo State record for most kills in a five-set game. Kaden Strong (Buffalo, NY/West Seneca East) had a strong showing in support with 15 kills.
• Drew Bowman (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park) tallied a new career-high with 55 assists in tonight's contest, also eclipsing a Buffalo State record for most assists in a single game.
• Defensively, DeAngelo D'Aloise (Lockport, NY/Starpoint) led the Bengals with 13 digs, while Kellen Palmer (Buffalo, NY/Canisius High School) added two blocks at the net.  

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After a week break in action, the #17 Bengals looked forward to their home opener as they hosted the St. John Fisher Cardinals.
• In the first set, the Cardinals and the Bengals traded points early and often, with neither side finding an advantage. However, a three-point run would give the Cardinals the advantage needed in this set, with the Bengals clinging on to stay within reach. A late three-point rally would give the Bengals new life, but the Cardinals would finish strong, taking the first set from the Bengals.
• In the second set, both sides would repeat the same script, but it would be the Bengals who'd shown their supremacy in this one following a six-point rally to close out the Cardinals in the second set.
• The third set would lean the Cardinals' way again, opening the set on a five-point run to take the early lead on the Bengals. However, the Bengals would keep fighting in the set, answering late with a four-point run to take the lead over the Cardinals. A fight for the finish would see the Cardinals get the advantage on the Bengals, claiming the third set.
• With their backs against the wall, the Bengals would open play strong with a four-point run to take control early over the Cardinals. This would give the Bengals the confidence needed to continue their strong play, going on another four-point run late to win the fourth set and force a fifth and final set.
• In the fifth set, the Bengals would flex their muscles, going on a five-point run over the Cardinals and never looking back, as they closed out the Cardinals in this hard-fought home opener of the season.

FOR THE FOES

• Gabe La Robardiere led the Cardinals with 14 kills, with Tyler Cohen leading with 32 assists.
• Defensively, Sonepith Keoviengsamay led the Cardinals with 13 digs, with Guillermo Perez leading all players with six blocks at the net.

UP NEXT
The Bengals will turn around for a tri-match tomorrow afternoon, as they host the Carlow University Celtics at 11:00 AM in their AMCC opener and the #20 Thiel College Tomcats at 3:00 PM.