SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind.  — The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's volleyball team continued its strong start to the season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Buffalo State (4-7) at Hummel Field House. The Pomeroys, now 6-1 on the season, swept the Bengals with set scores of 25-23, 25-22, and 25-22. They also swept Bethany (W.V.) by a 3-0 score in the day's second match by scores of 25-15, 25-14 and 25-14.

In the match against Buffalo State, SMWC was led by standout performances from Joseph Szadorski and Tyler Duranceau. Szadorski recorded a match-high 16 kills, showcasing his offensive prowess throughout the three sets. Duranceau contributed in a big way, posting 13 points with five kills, three service aces, and a team-high four digs. He also dished out two assists in addition to his offensive contributions.

Defensively, Christian Green added six kills, two blocks, and three digs. Green, along with Yammiel Martinez, helped anchor the net with a combined four blocks, ensuring Buffalo State struggled to establish any momentum. Kristofers Klavins also directed the offense with 30 assists, while Trevin Matsuba tallied two assists and three digs.

Buffalo State fought hard but could not keep pace with the Pomeroys' offensive efficiency. Gavin Wilczewski led the Bengals with 12 kills, followed by Malachi Jackson's nine kills. Despite their efforts, the Bengals were held to a .284 team hitting percentage, while SMWC finished with an impressive .429.

In the day's second match against homestanding Bethany, the match was controlled by SMWC from start to finish. The Pomeroys showed their offensive strength, totaling 33 kills on a .431 hitting percentage, while limiting Bethany to just 16 kills and a -.018 hitting percentage.

Christian Green led the Pomeroys' attack with seven kills, while Josh Stembridge contributed six and Charlie Harr added five. Michael Olak orchestrated the offense with 24 assists, and Andrej Lindner paced the team with three service aces. Lauvai Pine was a force at the net, recording five blocks, while Olak added three and Green chipped in with two.

St. Mary-of-the-Woods dominated each set, leading by as many as 10 points in the first two frames. The Pomeroys opened the match with a 13-3 kill advantage in the first set, hitting .455 as a team. They continued to roll in the second set, holding Bethany to a mere .059 hitting percentage. The third set was no different, as the Pomeroys' offense remained efficient and their defense unyielding.

The Pomeroys will look to build on their strong start to the season when they travel to Westminster College on Tuesday, February 4, at 6 p.m. (CT).