Box Score Albany, NY - The men's volleyball team took on the Monroe Express on Saturday morning to open their season. 

The team saw many familiar faces with a couple new ones, but this year saw the addition of a new assistant coach. The Panthers started hot, jumping to a 7-3 lead early, but then the Express were able to find a groove to take their first lead of the game 9-8.  The match was pretty even for awhile with the score tied at 15, but then the Express went on a 5-0 run which was a deficit too great for the Panthers to come back from.  The Express took the first set, 25-19.  

In the second set, the Express built a small lead that fluctuated from 3-5 points early, which the Panthers were able to cut down to one point by a score of 16-15. However, the Express answered by going on a 6-1 run to build a 6-point lead, which was another deficit too great for the Panthers to overcome, losing this one 25-18. 

The third was all Monroe. The Panthers fell behind early and the Express just kept building and building to their lead. Winning the set 25-13, Monroe completed the sweep.  

It was a valiant effort despite the loss for the Panthers.  First game nerves certainly were present, but they will look to bounce back at their next match, currently scheduled for March 7th, but subject to change. 

How to follow the Panthers: For the latest information on ACPHS athletics, visit acphspanthers.com or check out the ACPHS athletics social media platforms on Instagram @ACPHSPanthers or X @ACPHSAthletics. 

Written by Angelo Oddo.