SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - The American International College men's volleyball team lost a 19-25, 18-25, 23-25 decision against Daemen University on Sunday, February 15.

AIC is now 1-8 on the campaign.

The Wildcats took off quickly, grabbing an 8-2 lead in the opening set. AIC was able to pull within two at 13-11 after an Emil Zhmaidziak kill, but the Wildcats rebounded and won the set.

The second started similarly; Daemen pulled ahead 7-3, and then built that advantage to 18-9 with a 9-3 run. AIC again pushed back with five straight and eight of ten to get to 20-17, but were held to just one point the rest of the way in the set. 

In the third, the Wildcats threatened to pull away quickly again with a 3-0 lead, but then AIC saw history made to get back into the set. A kill followed by an ace by Robert Santana gave the senior 500 career points, making him the first in program history to reach the mark. 

AIC led through the midpoint of the set, but several runs by the visitors flipped the score over, and while AIC rallied from 24-20 to get to 24-23, Daemen finished the set off for the 3-0 match win.

Jamilson Depina Almeida led AIC with nine kills. Rian Woods dished out 20 assists.

AIC will next host Emmanuel College on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m.