BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Earning their second consecutive Skyline win in two days, the Purchase men's volleyball team defeated St. Joseph's (Brooklyn), 3-0 (25-9, 25-22, 25-15), Thursday night at The Hill Center.

With the win, the Panthers keep their playoff hopes alive as they advance to 6-14 overall and 5-7 in the Skyline. In defeat, SJC drops to 2-16 overall and remains winless, 0-13, in the league.

The Panther trio of Jeremiah Huntt (SR/Bronx, NY), Joe Higgins (SR/Bayside, NY) and Marcus Garguilo (FR/Port Washington, NY) hit an average of .326 to lead the visitors. Huntt recorded 13 kills against three errors for a notable .455 clip, while also collecting two service aces and a match-high 17 digs. Higgins (.206) paced all scorers with 14 kills and Garguilo (.318) added nine kills and two blocks (1 solo).

Idris Idris (JR/Bronx, NY) notched 29 of Purchase's 31 assists, while Jasper Zeray (FR/Brooklyn, NY) led all defensive players with 11 digs. Ben Erkan (SR/Bellport, NY) and Dan McDonough (SR/East Hampton, NY) chipped in with five digs and two aces, respectively. 

Purchase controlled the match from start to finish, winning the opening set by a generous 16-point margin (25-9).

Host SJC struck first in the second set but Purchase quickly pulled away with eight unanswered points to lead 9-2.

Both teams traded scoring runs over the next several minutes. St. Joe's slowly chipped away to come within one point of PC's lead (23-22), but would fall short, 25-22, following a Bear service error and a set-ending kill from Huntt.

The third set opened with a pair of errors from each team, resulting in a 2-2 tie. The frame would remain close throughout until Purchase produced an 11-2 run that delivered the 25-15 victory.

Purchase will return to action on Sunday (Apr. 3) at home. The Panthers will celebrate Senior Day and the regular season finale with a Skyline tri-match against Ramapo and Yeshiva University.