BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Northampton men's volleyball team suffered a 3-0 (20-25, 13-25, 21-25) loss to the nationally ranked Owls of Union College of Union County, New Jersey on Wednesday evening at the Arthur L. Scott Center.

The Spartans, who Received Votes in the NJCAA national poll earlier in the week, entered the match on a bit of an uncharacteristic slide having lost their first three matches to open the 2026 season, while UCNJ visited the Spartan Center holding the #4 spot in the NJCAA national rankings.

"Another tough one tonight," explained Spartans Head Coach Rachael Aquila, "Give Union credit. They are well coached and have a strong team. I know we are off to a slow start right now but we believe in what we are doing. We will just keep working. That is all we can do."

Sophomore Luke Smith (Breiningsville, PA/Parkland) registered 14 kills with 11 digs and 3 solo blocks to lead the Spartans. Calvin Long (Allentown, PA/William Allen) recorded 8 kills and 1 assist and Lucas Johnson (Glendale, AZ/Independence (AZ)) collected 23 assists and 1 service ace in the tough loss.

Northampton slides to 0-4 overall and 0-4 in Region 19.

UCNJ improves to 11-3 overall and 4-0 in the Region.

The Spartans are back in action on Monday, March 9th when they host the same nationally ranked UCNJ Owls for a 6pm Region 19 repeat match-up at the Arthur L. Scott Center.