HAMBURG, NY – Coming off two UVC losses last weekend, the No. 8 St. John Fisher University men's volleyball team (14-5) returned to their winning ways with a 3-0 win at Hilbert College (6-12) Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals have now bested the Hawks over the last two seasons.

In the opening set, Fisher displayed their offense prowess, tallying 14 kills across 23 attempts (0.478%) en route to a 25-13 win. The Cardinals struck early and often, opening a quick seven-point advantage before the Hawks called a timeout, up 12-5. From the service line, Fisher totaled a notable three aces to just four service errors in the first, of note because the Cardinals finished with just three aces to 33 errors across six sets last weekend.

The success carried into the second set, as the Cardinals created separation with a five-point lead, up 15-10. The Hawks would match the Cardinals from there, as the teams would split the next ten points. The Cardinals would find room, going on a 5-0 run to end the set 25-15. Across the second, Fisher hit 0.409% using 11 kills, two aces, and three blocks to push past the Hawks.
Looking to complete the sweep, Fisher opened a 12-6 lead in the third, which would be enough to hold off the Hawks. The Cardinals lead would expand from there, widening to 20-12. The Cardinals would finish the win on a big swing from Jimmy Roberts.

In the win, first year outside and player of the week to watch Casey Jackson finished with a team-leading six kills, his first multi-kill game since February 4, when the Spencerport native ended with three kills. 

Meanwhile, Zach Ciraolo ended the win with a season-high five kills, surpassing the five-kill mark for the third time in his three-year career. Ian Rauh returned to action for the first time since February 10, ending with four kills. On the season, Rauh has hit an incredible 0.544%.

The Cardinals finished with a season best 0.440% hitting percentage, ending with 41 kills to just eight errors across 75 attempts.

Gavin Newman and Evan Ingerick split time at setter, with Ingerick ending with 15 assists, while Newman racked up 14 assists and two service aces.

The Cardinals will take on Medaille University (5-11) Monday night in the Manning & Napier Varsity Gymnasium, with play set to begin at 5 p.m. Following Monday's matchup, the Cardinals are set to compete at Endicott College on Thursday, March 9 before seeking redemption in the UVC standings at Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Saturday, March 11.