WASHINGTON – Gallaudet University men's volleyball closed out its regular-season schedule on Saturday with a split on the road, sweeping the University of Valley Forge before falling in a five-set heartbreaker to Brooklyn College in a United East tri-match.

The Bison (9-16, 5-3 United East) opened the day in dominant fashion with a 3-0 sweep of Valley Forge, winning by scores of 25-14, 25-19, 25-19.

Gallaudet carried that momentum into its second match and jumped out to a 2-0 lead over Brooklyn College (12-6), taking the first two sets 25-19 and 27-25. However, the Bulldogs rallied to complete the reverse sweep, winning the final three sets 25-21, 25-21, 15-8.

Junior outside hitter Zachary Bippus (Fishers, Ind.) led the way against Valley Forge with 12 kills and seven digs. Sophomore setter Troy Holcomb (Fremont, Calif.) dished out 26 assists and added three service aces. First-year middle hitter John McCabe (Norwalk, Conn.) contributed eight kills and two blocks in the win.

GU turned around and faced Brooklyn College as the two teams went the distance after GU won the first two sets. Bippus paced the offense again with 18 kills to go with nine digs against the Bulldogs. Holcomb recorded a double-double with 29 assists and 11 digs while adding two aces. Sophomore middle hitter Tyler Wascher (Noblesville, Ind.) and first-year opposite Austin Baker (Frederick, Md.) anchored the net with three blocks apiece.

BISON TRACKS

• Gallaudet finish the regular season above .500 in United East play (5-3)
• The Bison recorded their ninth win of the season and enter postseason play with momentum despite the split
• Bippus totaled 30 kills across the two matches on Saturday

UP NEXT
Gallaudet has secured a spot in the United East Championship Tournament, which begins Thursday, April 2. The conference office will announce the official bracket following the conclusion of Monday's regular-season matches.