Men's Volleyball Falls in Four at Princeton

Ilan Goldstein tallied a double-double with 48 assists and 11 digs against Princeton.

After taking the first set in dominant fashion, the New York University men's volleyball team dropped the next three to fall to NCAA Division I Princeton University on Tuesday, Feb, 10, at the Dillon Gymnasium in Princeton, NJ.

The Violets (2-9), currently ranked 10th in the Bison/AVCA Division III Coaches Top 15 Poll, came out of the gate quickly against the Tigers (3-4), taking a three-point lead at 7-4 off of a Princeton attack error. Princeton quickly rallied to get back in the set, tying the score at 10 off to a solo block. After trading the next four points, the Tigers took a three-point lead off of a kill and two consecutive double blocks.

Princeton continued to hold their small lead until a service error allow the Violets to tie up the match again at 17. Eight points later NYU took a two point lead off of an ace senior captain Devin Zolnowski. Princeton would attempt to rally back, coming within one at two points. However, NYU would not relinquish its lead down the stretch and a block from senior Ilan Goldstein and freshman Luke Hamlet secured the set for the Violets at 30-25.

After the first set, the Tigers took control of the match. After hitting .138 with 10 errors in the first set, Princeton hit .378 with only 14 errors against 51 kills the rest of the match. In contrast, the Violets hit .286 with only six errors in the first set and then for the rest of the match compiled a .141 hitting percentage with 25 errors and 39 kills as they fell 30-21, 30-24, 30-24.

On offense for NYU, Zolnowski recorded his eighth consecutive double-digit kill match, putting down 22 kills along with six digs and three blocks.

Goldstein also had a strong all-around match, putting together his second double-double in a row with 48 assists and 11 digs while also notching five blocks.

For the Tigers, sophomore Vincent Tuminelli tallied 22 kills and hit .410 while senior Phillip Rosenberg notched a double-double with 11 kills and 11 digs.

The Violets return to action this Saturday, Feb. 14, when they host EIVA Hay opponent Sacred Heart University at 4:00 pm.