NORTH ANDOVER, MA- The Nichols College men's volleyball got blanked in three sets against Division One program Merrimack College 3-0 at the Sakowich Center this evening.

With the loss, the Bison drop to 13-12 (5-0 CNE) while the Warriors rise to 8-10. 

The Bison offense was led by Adam Vincent, who recorded a team-high seven kills while hitting .211. Evan Sachs, Bryce Bonville, and Bradyn Pomainville each added three kills, with Sachs turning in an efficient .600 hitting percentage. Sachs also guided the offense with a team-high 14 assists, while Cade Bernardi led the defensive effort with 12 digs.

The first set opened with Nichols battling early in the opening set, trading points to a 3-3 tie behind kills from Vincent, Bonville, and Snow. Merrimack then used a strong run, highlighted by multiple kills and a service ace, to take control and build a sizable lead. The Bison showed late fight with key points from Pomainville, Gavin, and a service ace from Bonville, but Merrimack maintained its advantage and secured the set, 25-15.

The Bison attempted to bounce back in the second set, taking advantage of early Merrimack errors to build a 4-2 lead behind kills from Bonville and Snow. The set remained tight through the middle, with both teams trading points and the score knotted at 16-16. Merrimack then used a decisive run, fueled by multiple service aces and Bison attack errors, to pull ahead late. Despite a late push from Nichols, highlighted by a kill and service ace from Bonville, the Warriors closed out the set, 25-19.

The final and deciding set proved to be the most competitive, with the Bison jumping ahead 7-3 behind early kills from Vincent, while capitalizing on Merrimack errors. The Bison maintained control through the middle of the set, extending their lead to 17-11 with balanced offensive production and steady play. Merrimack responded with a late push, narrowing the gap as the teams traded points down the stretch. Despite key kills from Vincent and Pomainville to keep Nichols in front, the Warriors closed on a run to steal the set, 25-22.

The Bison return home this Saturday, March 28th, as they host the Gulls of Endicott College at the Nichols Athletic Center.