Box Score

The New York University men's volleyball team dropped its first EIVA Hay Division match of the 2009 season, falling to Division I Rutgers-Newark University in straight sets on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Golden Dome in Newark, NJ.

The Violets (3-10, 2-1 EIVA Hay), currently ranked #10 in Bison/AVCA Division III Men's Coaches Top 15 Poll, fell behind early to the Scarlet Raiders (4-5, 3-0 EIVA Hay) 15-11, leading to an NYU timeout.

Five plays later the Violets were forced to take their second timeout as Rutgers pushed its lead to seven at 19-12. The Violets managed to cut the deficit to three, 23-20, but got no closer as Rutgers pulled away to a 30-25 first-set victory.

In the second set, NYU fell behind the Scarlet Raiders by four at 14-10. Unlike the first set, however, the Violets managed to keep Rutgers from expanding its lead further.

NYU pulled within one point on three occasions before finally pulling even at 27 off of a Scarlet Raider attack error. However, on the next play, a Rutgers kill gave them back the lead for good as the Scarlet Raiders squeaked out the 30-28 win.

The third set saw the two teams trade points early on through a 12-12 tie. On the next point, a kill gave the Scarlet Raiders a lead that they would not relinquish the rest of the way. NYU pulled within one five times before Rutgers pulled away, taking the set 30-23.

On offense for the Violets, senior captain Devin Zolnowski led the way with 14 kills while also tallying a match-high seven blocks.

Also in double-digits for NYU was junior Michael Ferragonio, who recorded 11 kills along with five digs.

On defense, senior Ilan Goldstein led the way with nine digs and 37 assists.

For the Scarlet Raiders, Kenny Rienecker notched 17 kills, while freshman Caden Mulligan dug up nine balls.

The Violets return to action this Saturday, Feb. 21, when they host Division III rival Springfield College at 4:00 pm.