NYU vs York (NY) Box Score | NYU vs Springfield Box Score

The #10-ranked (AVCA) New York University men's volleyball team (1-1) kicked off the 2014 season with a win over York College (NY) (0-1) in Springfield, MA, on Saturday, January 25, before falling to #1-ranked Springfield College (2-3) in the nightcap. The first match was won in four sets (20-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-15) and the second was decided in three (25-23, 25-11, 25-20). 
 
Comprised of just three seniors, two juniors and 16 underclassmen, this is one of the youngest teams in Head Coach Jose Pina's 21-year tenure.
 
After not holding a lead in the first set against York, the Violets got out to a hot start in the second and never looked back. The squad hit an impressive .326 for the match and out-killed York 49-33. 
 
"It is always good to start the season off with a win," said Pina. "We had a slow start with our serve-receive, but made some adjustments and were eventually able to impose our will."

NYU wasn't able to mount a similar comeback in the later match. After narrowly losing a highly competitive first set, the team got off to a sluggish start in the second. The third set was equally as competitive as the first, but the Violets couldn't overcome the firepower of the two-time defending National Champions.
 
"It is always disappointing to lose, but I am very proud of the way we battled," said Pina. "This shows me that we have the capability to compete against any team in the nation."

NYU vs. York Highlights:
 
- Captain Connor Mortland doled out 44 assists.

- Nick Capriccio hit .333 with seven kills and four blocks.

- Chase Klein had a match-high 13 kills.

- Colin LaPorte was the only other player with double-digit kills with 12.

- David Lauer had a balanced match with seven kills and five digs.

- Phil Bueno hit .545 with eight kills. 
 
NYU vs. Springfield Highlights:
 
- Mortland dished out 23 assists and tallied five assisted blocks.
 
- Klein had a team-high nine kills.
 
- LaPorte posted eight kills.
 
- The Violet defense held Springfield to a -.273 hitting percentage in the third set.
 
- NYU out-blocked Springfield 10-6.5.

The Violets return to action on Tuesday, January 28, when they host Stevens Institute of Technology at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan. First serve is set for 7:00 pm.