Box Score

The New York University men's volleyball team picked up its first win of the 2011 campaign, defeating SUNY New Paltz in four sets on Thursday, January 20, in New Paltz, NY.

The Violets (1-1), currently ranked #9 in the AVCA Division III Men's Top 15 Coaches' Poll, rebounded from a tough season-opening loss to defeat the Hawks (0-1) 3-1 (26-24, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23) in a hard-fought match.

Leading an offense that held a 63-47 advantage in kills was Taylor Fauntleroy, who recorded a match-high and career-best 19 kills.  The sophomore also hit a career-high .353 while adding four digs and an assisted block.

Also leading the offense for the Violets was Fran Hodgson, who recorded his best hitting percentage since March 26, 2008, by hitting .636 in the match. The senior captain put down a season-best 16 kills, including two of the final three kills to end the match while also adding three solo blocks.

Luke Hamlet rounded out the NYU players in double-digit kills by notching 10 while also putting up six digs.

Connor Mortland and Ori Oren split the setting duties for the Violets, with each player getting two sets of play.  Mortland recorded 26 assists and 10 digs in the first two sets, and Oren added 25 assists and four digs in the final two.

On defense, Dylan Ramey was the other NYU player to record double-digit digs, putting up 10 in three sets.

For the Hawks, Kevin Stross recorded 14 kills, while Frank Ciccone added 10 digs.

The Violets return to action next week when they return to the Coles Sports Center to play host to the Stevens Institute of Technology on Wednesday, Jan. 26.  First serve is set for 7:00 pm.