In a memorable season-opening competition, the New York University men's volleyball team posted comeback five-set victories over both of its opponents in Owings Mills, MD, on Saturday, January 24.
The Violets (2-0) trailed host Stevenson University 2-0 before pulling out a victory in the first match (19-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-20, 20-18), then trailed Rutgers-Newark University 2-1 before staging a second comeback (15-25, 25-20, 19-25, 25-20, 16-14).
"It speaks well of our team to win these matches," said NYU Head Coach
Jose Pina. "The comebacks show that the players have confidence in each other. They displayed a lot of heart, never giving up or giving in."
NYU vs. Stevenson Highlights:- The Violets staved off four match points in the fifth set before claiming the two-hour and three-minute match.
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Nick Benson recorded 28 kills, eight digs and three service aces.
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Chase Klein totaled 15 kills, while
Colin LaPorte had 13.
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Andrew Quirk led the way with 19 digs.
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Derrick Chiu posted 23 assists before being replaced by
Patrick Merrick, who registered 34.
"We were not connecting well at the beginning and I thought we needed a switch," said Pina. "We substituted Pat as our setter and it brought us the spark and the emotion we needed. Nick also had a tremendous match for us."
NYU vs. Rutgers-Newark Highlights:- The Violets let a 14-10 lead slip away in the fifth set before
Sean Leahy's kill and Klein's service ace clinched the win.
- Merrick recorded a match-high 55 assists.
- Klein finished with 22 kills and a .333 attack percentage.
- LaPorte also had double-digit kills with 12.
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Benjamin Oxnard totaled a team-high 16 digs.
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Jake Getz came off the bench to contribute seven kills and three digs.
"We were a bit tired after that first match and we had some wobbly legs out there," Pina explained. "We made another switch at the end of the third set and brought Jake in for Nick. He brought a spark and some fresh legs. It was enough to help us get over the hump."
The Violets return to action on Thursday, January 29, when they face Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm.
