AMHERST, New York – The American International College men's volleyball team fell 25-17, 25-12, 25-21 to Daemen University on Saturday, January 21.

AIC is now 0-6 on the season.

Wilmer Rodriguez scored the first point of the match on a kill, and the Yellow Jackets had a 12-10 advantage early on. However, the Wildcats went on a six-point run to turn the fortunes in their favor, and hung on to win the first on a service ace from Maverick O'Neil.

Momentum was on the home team's side in the second, and the Wildcats quickly took control in the second with a 6-0 run to go up 12-5. That lead proved insurmountable for AIC, as Daemen took the set 25-12, with set point again coming on an O'Neil ace.

With their backs against the wall, the Yellow Jackets pushed hard in the third, taking a 5-4 lead on a combination block by Jacob Thomas and John Rivera Ortiz. It was a tight battle through the end, with AIC leading 20-19, but the Wildcats were able to secure six of the final seven points to take the set and match.

Rodriguez led AIC with six kills and five digs; Alejandro Miranda had five kills on six swings to hit .833. Thomas had three kills and three bloicks, while William Fitzpatrick dished 13 assists.

AIC returns home to the Butova Gym on Wednesday, January 25 against Rivier University. First serve is at 7:00 p.m.