BROOKLYN, NY - The Medgar Evers College men's volleyball team defeated John Jay College in the quarterfinal round of the CUNYAC Playoffs at the Cougars Cave in Brooklyn, NY, on Tuesday, April 9.

The #4-seed Cougars (16-6, 5-3 CUNYAC) defeated the #5 Bloodhounds (10-19, 3-5) in straight sets (25-23, 25-23, 28-26).

The first set was very close the entire way, with the Cougars opening the largest lead of the set for either team by taking a 21-17 advantage. John Jay was able to storm back and tie the score at 22, before two kills by Enmanuel Jaquez and a fortunate Bloodhound attack error enabled Medgar to put the first set away, ensuring that they would not face a 2-0 set deficit as they did in these two teams' first meeting this season.

The second set required somewhat more effort from the Cougars as they fell behind 18-13. The score was soon tied at 18 after three John Jay errors as well as a kill and an ace from Nius St. Clair. MEC took a 22-20 lead before John Jay tied it up at 22-all. However, Medgar Evers rose to the occasion and finished off the set with another two St. Clair kills.

There was the sense throughout the Cougars Cave that the match would be soon over as the Cougars took a 19-13 lead in set three. However, the Bloodhounds sniffed out an opportunity and fought back to actually grab a 23-22 lead. The Cougars fought back themselves and squandered match points at 25-24 and 26-25, before finally finishing off the match after a John Jay attacking error at 28-26.

"The guys really stepped up and rose to the occasion," said Head Coach Teresa Rodriguez. "The keys to success were their non-wavering and non-quitting spirit, mental toughness, and just really pushing it and really wanting it tonight."

St. Clair led all players with 27 kills, needing just 40 attacks and committing just five errors for a ridiculous .550 hitting percentage. The freshman also added two blocks, four digs, and a service ace. Jaquez posted a game-high nine digs and added seven kills, while Kareem Cyrus and Romell Carter totaled 19 and 13 assists, respectively.

Cody Ramsey, Jovan Scott and Gerod Humphrey each contributed a game-high three blocks as well.

The Cougars advance to face #1-seeded Hunter College at 4 pm on Friday, April 12, at the Hunter Sportsplex. If they win that match, they will play the CUNYAC Championship match that same day at 8 pm.