POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — The Mount Aloysius Mounties closed out their Saturday morning slate with a straight-set loss to Rutgers–Newark, falling 25-9, 25-16, 25-17 at Kenyon Hall.

Mount Aloysius faced an early deficit in the opening set as the Scarlet Raiders jumped out quickly behind an efficient attack. The Mounties worked to settle in defensively but were limited to two kills in the frame as Rutgers–Newark claimed the first set.

The Mounties responded with improved play in the second set, finding more offensive rhythm behind setter Connor O'Mealia (Rochester, N.Y., Churchville). Zach Rosenwald (Pittsburgh, Pa., Shaler) led the Mount Aloysius attack with several timely kills, while Brady Diegelman (Pittsburgh, Pa., Shaler Area) added pressure from the service line. Mount Aloysius stayed within reach midway through the set before a late surge by Rutgers–Newark extended the margin.

In the third set, Mount Aloysius continued to compete, trimming the deficit and showing improved ball control. Jason Freed (East Aurora, N.Y., East Aurora) anchored the defense with a match-high nine digs, while Bryson Brooks (Martinsburg, Pa., Central) and O'Mealia contributed steady play in the back row. Despite the effort, the Mounties were unable to close the gap as the match concluded in straight sets.

Rosenwald paced Mount Aloysius with six kills and added an assist, while O'Mealia finished with eight assists, one block, and five digs. Diegelman recorded two service aces, and Freed contributed a block to go along with his defensive performance.

Mount Aloysius finished the match with 10 kills, three aces, and two blocks.