Box Score

Purchase, NY (Mar. 29, 2012) – Men's volleyball recognized senior Christian Cepeda Thursday night in his final home match of his Panther career.

Purchase (2-17) pushed visiting John Jay on a night when the team said goodbye to Cepeda, the fun-loving, big-haired outside hitter who has endured himself to the team during a very solid two-season stint. Following two competitive opening sets, the Panthers nearly pulled a comeback in the third set, falling 25-19, 25-18, 30-28.

The 3-0 defeat was highlighted by a dramatic third set in which both teams volleyed and had chances to win before the Bloodhounds (4-13) captured the finale on consecutive points.   

John Jay rallied in the opener, narrowly topping the hosts by six points. The strong start continued in the second set, where the Bloodhounds once again used a late spurt to take a commanding 2-0 lead. In the final set, Purchase jumped out to a comfortable advantage and appeared on its way to forcing a fourth set before John Jay regrouped and sealed the victory.

The Bloodhounds were paced by Rashid Allah Morad, who recorded six kills, and setter Dale Hoa, who notched 56 assists and came up with 10 digs in the win. John Jay snapped its three-match losing streak in the process. 

The Panthers certainly had their moments. Led by rookie standout Blake Borysewicz (FR/Brooklyn, NY), Purchase stayed in the hunt throughout the matchup. He totaled nine kills.

Mateo Morel (SR/Bronx, NY), who will return next season, added six kills, two assists and five digs to go along with one block solo and one block assist.

Cepeda (SR/Port Jefferson Station, NY) capped his Panther career at home with three assists. He received a certificate of appreciation prior to the match and will be honored during the program's annual athletic awards dinner in early May. Jeromy Barton (JR/Mahopac, NY) had a nice all around match, contributing seven digs. Teammates Thomas DeCarlo (SO/Glen Cove, NY) and Aiden Kaplan (FR/North Bellmore, NY) also played well. Taylor Edelmann (JR/Bethel, CT) had a team-high 14 assists.

Purchase will wrap its 2012 season Sunday at Ramapo.