SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – The American International College men's volleyball team fell 25-17, 25-15, 25-22 to Fairleigh Dickinson University in the team's home opener on Friday, January 13.

AIC drops to 0-3 on the season.

Wilmer Rodriguez scored the match's first kill, and AIC kept the first set close, but the visitors were able to collect four out of five points to build up to a 17-12 lead, and a later four-point run gave the Knights a 23-14 edge. Grady Hoffman scored the set point for the Knights with a kill.

The second set went to the guests as well, who built up an early 12-4 lead and never looked back. AIC battled hard late in the set but could not recover, as the Knights took the second 25-15.

With their backs against the wall, the Yellow Jackets pushed. Pedro Panelli had a hand in two key blocks as a string of Fairleigh Dickinson errors put the home side on top 7-2. Though the Knights scored five of the next six, AIC managed to stay ahead and led 19-13. Unfortunately, the Knights rallied there, with a stretch of six out of seven points to close the gap and then six straight in the end to take the final set 25-22.

John Rivera Ortiz was AIC's top attacker on the night with 11 kills as well as seven digs. Panelli and Rodriguez each had three blocks, with Rodriguez adding in six kills as well. Michael Maldonado dished 13 assists.

The two teams will battle again on Saturday, January 14 at Fairleigh Dickinson, with first serve set for 6:00 p.m.