Does a motion for leave to enter a default judgment based upon a plaintiff's failure to serve a reply to a counterclaim?

successfully oppose a motion for leave to enter a default judgment based upon a plaintiff's failure to serve a reply to a counterclaim, a plaintiff must establish a reasonable excuse for the delay and demonstrate a meritorious defense (see, e.g., Twersky v. Kasaks, 24 A.D.3d 657). In the matter at bar, plaintiff has failed to proffer any excuse for his failure to serve a reply to defendants' counterclaims. Accordingly, the portion of the motion for leave to enter a default judgment upon plaintiff's default in replying to the counterclaims is granted with regard to liability only, and without prejudice to plaintiff's prosecution of the complaint.