Mahwah, N.J. (2/3/13) – The Kean University men's volleyball team split in their first matches against Skyline Conference competition on Sunday afternoon at the Bill Bradley Center.

In their first matchup of the day the #14 Cougars fell to host Ramapo College, 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 19-25, 17-25) while rebounding to top Yeshiva University in straight sets (25-9, 25-10, 25-9).

Senior Steve Vahalla recorded 25 kills in today's action to lead the Cougars.

The Roadrunners used a key run in the first set of match one pushing a one point lead (11-10) into a 19-11 advantage.  It was all Kean in the second set as the Cougars sprinted out to a 20-9 lead, winning by the set by the final of 25-16.  The Roadrunners responded and took control of the third set.  Ramapo led throughout the fourth set, but Kean kept it close.  Trailing by three (19-16) late in the match, the Roadrunners put the game out of reach scoring six of the next seven points. 

Vahalla (pictured left) led all players with 20 kills while adding five digs and three blocks.  Libero Tom Kemmerle recorded 11 digs.

In the second matchup of the day Kean paced their way to a straight set win.  Rookie Julian Rodriguez led all players with eight kills while Krzysztof Kucza finished with six kills and four service aces.

The Cougars will continue Skyline Conference action on Tuesday, February 5^th (note new date) as they host Purchase College at 7:30 p.m.