Box Score

Going for its first win in Princeton, NJ, since 1999, the New York University men's volleyball team took a two sets to one lead before falling to Division I Princeton University in five sets on Tuesday, February 9,, at the Dillon Gymnasium.

After dropping the first set 30-22, the Violets (1-5), currently ranked #8 in the AVCA Division III Men's Coaches Poll, took the next two sets 33-31, 30-28 and appeared to have all of the match's momentum on their side.  However, the Tigers (2-3) bounced back from the 2-1 deficit, out-scoring the Violets 45 – 18 over the final two sets (30-11, 15-7) and held them to a negative hitting percentage to win the match in five.

“It was a really tough match to lose,” said NYU head coach Jose Pina.  “However, I was glad to see that we responded after last week's loss to Juniata and stepped up and played at a much higher level tonight.”

On offense for NYU, freshman Cooper Gwaltney turned in his best statistical match to-date, putting down a team-high and career-best 18 kills while also adding a personal-best three blocks.  On defense, Gwaltney put up a season-high 14 digs to lead all players.

Also continuing his strong play at the middle blocker position, sophomore Ryan Limb tallied double-digit kills for the third straight match, tying a career high with 12 kills while also adding a season-high eight blocks.

The Violets also saw two captains reach double-digit kill figures.  Senior Michael Ferragonio tied a season high with 14 kills along with eight digs, while junior Fran Hodgson added 10 kills and four blocks (including one solo).

Along the back line, sophomore captain Jay Hayes put up a season-best 13 digs.

For the Tigers, Pat Schwagler led all players with 22 kills and a .576 hitting percentage.  Carl Hamming notched a team-best 13 digs.

The Violets look to even their record in the EIVA Hay Division at 1-1 when they return to the court on Tuesday, Feb. 16, to take on Division I New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, NJ.  First serve is set for 7:00 pm.