NYU vs. SUNY Tech Box Score

NYU vs. Kean Box Score

The New York University men's volleyball team won both its matches, including its first ever United Volleyball Conference (UVC) contest, sweeping SUNY Institute of Technology and Kean University on Saturday, February 4, at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.

The first match pitted the Violets against their new UVC foe, SUNY Tech. NYU joined the UVC prior to the 2012 season after many years competing in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA).

The Violets (3-2, 1-0) did not disappoint in their first UVC match, defeating the Wildcats (0-5, 0-1) 25-17, 25-22, 25-18.  

"It's an important victory because in order to win the UVC we have to win our conference matches," said NYU head coach Jose Pina.

Nick Capriccio helped make the Violets' initial foray into the UVC a rousing success, leading the way with 11 kills while committing zero errors. He also added two blocks, two assists and a service ace.

Karl Johnson chipped in with a match-high 32 assists for the Violets, while Parker Kolodka registered a team-best six digs.   

"Karl did a great job providing depth at the setter position," Pina said. "He did not play the position at all last year and we'll need him there this season." 

Tim Ross led the Wildcats with seven kills and Jeff Knapp had 17 assists.

The Violets returned to the court later in the afternoon and defeated Kean (4-2) 25-21, 25-20, 25-12.

This time, Taylor Fauntleroy led the Violets with 13 kills, while Capriccio totaled six with only one error. Connor Mortland was the team leader with 31 assists. Matthew Coghlan had a team-best three digs, while Matthew MacDonald was tops with four blocks.

"We used the starters more in the second match and we better resembled the team that we expect to look like throughout the season," Pina explained.

Steve Vahalla led the Cougars with nine kills and Alex Barnhard was tops with 18 assists.

"We had a very good day overall, but I was particularly happy with the way we played in the second match," Pina said. "It was good to see everyone play well and contribute.

The Violets return to the court next Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11-12, when they compete in the UVC Crossover #1 at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.