1/23/26
The Kevin Pratte Invitational opened with a statement match on January 23, 2026. If you were looking for a casual season opener, this wasn’t it. In a grueling five-set battle that tested both lungs and legs, the No. 2 ranked Juniata Eagles protected their undefeated streak by outlasting SUNY New Paltz.
The final box score tells the story of a match defined by momentum swings and grit. Juniata walked away with the 3:2 victory (25-22, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 15-12), moving their record to a perfect 6-0.
The Breakdown
Juniata came out swinging, snatching the first two sets by the narrowest of margins. However, New Paltz didn’t travel for a participation trophy. The Hawks roared back in the third and fourth sets, fueled by a sharp .283 hitting percentage and a defensive wall that recorded 11 total blocks.
When the match moved to the decisive fifth set, Juniata reclaimed their composure. Despite being out-hit statistically across the entire match, the Eagles relied on high-volume scoring and floor defense to seal the win.
Standout Performers
The level of individual play was elite on both sides of the net. Octavian Sperry was the engine for the Eagles, racking up 21 kills to lead all players. On the defensive end, Andrew Byrne anchored the back row with 11 digs, while Felix Baier provided a presence at the net with 4 blocks.
New Paltz saw a massive offensive night from Nikko Tenedorio, who finished with 19 kills. Daniel Shanley was a constant threat from the service line, contributing 5 aces and matching that intensity with 10 digs.
Match Statistics at a Glance
| Category | SUNY New Paltz | Juniata |
| Hitting Percentage | .283 | .200 |
| Total Blocks | 11.0 | 10.0 |
| Digs | 37 | 40 |
| Service Aces | 9 | 4 |
In The End
Winning when you aren’t playing “perfect” volleyball is the hallmark of a championship-caliber team. While New Paltz held the edge in hitting efficiency and aces, Juniata found a way to win the points that mattered most. The Eagles showed that they can handle the pressure of a comeback attempt and still find the “on” switch in the fifth set.
This win keeps Juniata’s momentum surging as they head further into the Kevin Pratte Invitational. For New Paltz, the 1-1 record doesn’t quite reflect how dangerous they looked on the court today.