Box Score

Purchase, NY (Jan. 31, 2012) – An evening that began with a lengthy delay was well worth the wait for the Purchase College men's volleyball team, who edged visiting Brooklyn College in a five-set marathon.

The Panthers bounced back from a pair of tough losses on Sunday in their season opener at Albany by slipping past the Bulldogs in come-from-behind fashion Tuesday night. After Brooklyn arrived 45 minutes late following a bus breakdown, the Panthers defeated the non-conference rivals, 3-2. They took the first set in a convincing manor and then fell behind 2-1 before rallying in the fourth and fifth sets for victory.

Purchase notched its first win of the season, taking the match 25-18, 23-25, 21-25, 26-24, 15-12. The Panthers utilized a strong showing in the fourth set, escaping with a slim two-point margin. The momentum spurred the 15-12 final set in which standout Kevon Kareem Bruce (SR/Hayes, Jamaica) provided the final point on a spike at the net. The victory sent the home crowd and the bench into a frenzy.  

In the first set, Mateo Morel (SR/Bronx, NY) had a key block, as Purchase jumped out to a 16-7 lead. Shortly later, the Panthers were ahead 17-12, prompting a timeout by the visitors, who were looking to regroup. Even as Bulldogs started to sneak in with a few points, the Panthers won the first set.

In the second set, Alex Billen-Calhoun (JR/Niskayuna, NY) started the serve, yet Brooklyn scored the first point and started strong. After back-and-forth scoring, Purchase called a timeout with Brooklyn tying the score at 23 all.

Unfortunately, Brooklyn would survive the long rally, taking the second set. The third set rolled on with the volleys going at a fairly even swing. The score was tied up at 17-17 and then yet again at 19-19.  

The Bulldogs managed a minor comeback in the set, taking an advantage after three. The Panthers began the serve in the fourth set, with Purchase's Taylor Edelmann (JR/Bethel, CT) scoring a resounding hit and winning the first point of the set.

Purchase called a timeout when they were trailing the Bulldogs, 9-7. Brooklyn showed its mettle, recapturing the lead once again.

However, the Panthers caught a lucky break when the Bulldogs touched the net and scored a point.

Tied at 19-19, Purchase' Billen-Calhoun won the Panthers two points with his dynamic serves. Teammate Christian Cepeda (SR/Port Jefferson Station, NY) got a great spike, pulling the Panthers ahead 21-20.

The see-saw affair continued as Morel scored an important point that eventually led to the fourth set victory.

Enter standout rookie Blake Borysewicz (FR/Brooklyn, NY). The freshman started the fifth set and won the first serve for an early lead. The Panthers took command of the final set, reeling off a 9-5 score in the opening minutes of the finale.

Brooklyn closed the gap and threatened the hosts by getting as close as 11-10. But the Panthers would hold on for an exciting home-opening win as Morel served up the game-winning volley that Kareem Bruce promptly swatted down for a deciding 3-2 final.  

The Panthers were led by Kareem Bruce and his match-high 17 kills. Morel and Edelmann added 11 and eight kills respectively in the win. Billen-Calhoun did a sterling job setting the tone. He handed out 56 assists.

The defense effort was paramount, too. Purchase recorded 18 blocks in the W. 

The Panthers will look to build off tonight's victory when they return to action on Feb. 8. Purchase will host Sage next week.