The #15 New York University men's volleyball team (9-4, 4-3 United Volleyball Conference) extended its winning streak to three by defeating Vassar College (4-10, 1-6 UVC) on Thursday, February 27, in Manhattan at the Coles Sports Center. The match went five sets with a score of 25-22, 25-19, 25-27, 25-27, 15-12.

NYU dominated both sides of the ball in the first two sets by hitting over .300 and holding Vassar under a .200 hitting percentage in each.

The third set appeared to be more of the same as NYU led most of the way en route to a 24-23 match-point opportunity. However, Vassar rallied by winning the next three points and eventually the set 27-25.

The fourth set had a similar narrative for the Violets as they led 21-20 before the Brewers rallied off three consecutive points on their way to another 27-25 set win.

"We were over-thinking things at the end of the third and fourth sets," said NYU Head Coach Jose Pina. "Going into the fifth I told my guys to stay loose and let your talent take over."

The two evenly-matched teams found themselves trading points throughout the final game. Facing an 11-12 deficit in the fifth, Pina called a timeout to calm his squad down.

"We started playing tight." Pina explained. "So, I called the timeout to remind the guys that this game was ours for the taking."

The timeout proved to be a major success, as NYU won the match by capturing the next four points.
 
Highlights:

- Chase Klein led all players with 18 kills.

- Connor Mortland posted a double-double with 47 assists and 11 digs.

- Nick Capriccio dominated the middle with six total blocks, 15 kills and a .379 hitting percentage.

- David Lauer also tallied a double-double with 12 kills and 11 digs.

- Andrew Quirk had a team-high 13 digs.

- Stephen Tan was perfect with six kills and zero errors.

The Violets return to action on Sunday, March 2, when the squad hosts Thiel College on Family & Alumni Day, at the Coles Sports Center. First serve is set for 2:00 pm.