JAMAICA, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College men's volleyball showed gradual improvement throughout Friday's season opener, but were unable to keep pace with the Purchase College Panthers (1-4) in a non-conference road setback in straight set (25-16, 25-18, 25-21) inside Purchase College Gymnasium. 

The Cardinals broke the scoring ice in the first and second sets, and hit a match-high .000 with six kills in the final stanza before finishing the match at a -.164 clip.  Purchase hit at a rate of -.038 and held the advantage in points (36-17), kills (24-11), aces (11-1), assists (22-10) and digs (26-25) while York outplayed the Panthers in blocks, 5-1. 

David Heyliger, Jr. produced a team-leading seven points with five kills and two blocks to pace York in his debut.  Justin Saji tallied four kills on 12 swings to go with one ace and one block to follow with six points.  Juan Rodriguez dished out nine assists to run the Cardinal offense while Erick Ortega scooped nine digs. 

Joe Higgins served six aces and notched a match-high 11 points to lead Purchase to victory.  Jeremiah Hunntt contributed 10 points and nine kills while Andreo Otiniano and Idris Idris captained the offense with nine assists apiece.   

The Cardinals (0-1) return to the court Wednesday (Feb. 5) for its home opener versus the Sarah Lawrence College Gryphons (0-5) starting at 7 p.m. inside York College Gymnasium.

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