UNION, N.J. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's volleyball team opened their 2025 season with a tough 3-0 loss to Nichols College at the Clash at Kean Tournament on Friday, Jan. 17. Despite a competitive effort, the Gothic Knights dropped the match with set scores of 25-22, 25-16, and 31-29.

Nichols (1-0) had the statistical advantage, leading in key categories such as kills (41-35), aces (5-0), and assists (39-34). The Bison's attack efficiency was also stronger, posting a hitting percentage of .250 (41 kills on 104 attempts) compared to NJCU's .107 (35 kills on 112 attempts). However, NJCU (0-1) held a slight edge in digs, 44-42, and both teams recorded five blocks each.

Individually, NJCU was led by sophomore outside hitter Marcus Pardasie (Paramus, N.J./Cresskill), who had an outstanding performance, recording a game-high 19 kills, nine digs, and one block. His 19 kills tied his career-high. Senior setter Alex Casias also made significant contributions, leading the team with 29 assists and adding nine digs. Freshman libero Erick Bacuilima (North Bergen, N.J./North Bergen), in his first collegiate match, paced the defense with 10 digs. Freshman outside hitter Matt Peralta (Hackensack, N.J./Hackensack), also making his debut, showed promise with eight kills and seven digs. Senior middle blocker Amaru Perales (Harrison, N.J./Harrison) contributed a game-high three blocks.

Nichols was equally balanced, with three players reaching double-digit kills. Tanner Sorracco led the Bison with 11 kills and 11 digs. The Bison also benefitted from solid play from Dylan Knapp, who contributed several key kills, including two late in the first set to help Nichols secure a 25-22 win.

In the first set, Nichols jumped to a 4-1 lead early on, but NJCU fought back, tying the set at 6-6 thanks to kills from Peralta, junior opposite Victor De Souza (Newark, N.J./Newark East Side), and Pardasie. The Gothic Knights then earned their largest lead of the set at 16-13 following a kill from Peralta. However, Nichols came back to tie the set at 22-22. Two crucial kills from Dylan Knapp helped Nichols close out the first set, 25-22. Pardasie led NJCU in the set with five kills, while Peralta added three, and De Souza chipped in with two.

The second set saw Nichols dominate after a 14-5 run, pushing their lead to 21-11. Despite NJCU's efforts to close the gap, they could not overcome the deficit, and Nichols secured the set 25-16. In this set, Pardasie led NJCU with seven kills, while Peralta contributed two.

The third set was a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Nichols held a slight lead early, but NJCU fought back to tie the score at 21-21, thanks to a kill from senior middle blocker Damon La Salle. The Gothic Knights even grabbed their first lead of the set at 24-23 after a Nichols attack error. However, Nichols remained composed and responded with a 31-29 win. Pardasie and Peralta were the primary offensive weapons for NJCU in this set, combining for 11 of the team's 29 kills.

UP NEXT:
NJCU will look to rebound in the next round of the Clash at Kean Tournament, facing #4-ranked Stevens and #6-ranked Vassar on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., respectively.

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