The #9-ranked (American Volleyball Coaches Association) New York University men's volleyball team earned a five-set victory against host Emmanuel College on Sunday afternoon, February 22, in Boston, MA.
For the second consecutive day, NYU (7-3) found itself down 2-1 heading into the fourth set.
Similar to Saturday against #14 Wentworth Tech, the squad was able to stay composed and rally to overcome the deficit and earn another five-set win. The Violets dominated the fourth set before winning the match-deciding fifth to secure a 26-24, 21-25, 26-28, 25-14, 15-13 victory over the host Saints.
"This was another day when the squad had to dig deep," said NYU Head Coach
Jose Pina. "Winning a match like this shows that this team has a never-give-up attitude."
NYU never trailed in the first set, storming out to a 14-9 lead before Emmanuel fought back and tied the score at 24 apiece. The Violets won the set after a
Colin LaPorte kill and an Emmanuel attack error, taking a 1-0 advantage into the second set.
Emmanuel controlled much of the second set, leading by as many as nine points en route to winning the set 25-21 and tying the match at 1-1.
The Violets found themselves down 19-13 in the third set, but were able to rally and make it close as Emmanuel held on to win it 28-26 and take a 2-1 advantage in sets.
NYU dominated the fourth set, scoring nine of the first 12 points and extending its lead to as much as 11 en route to forcing a fifth set.
The match-deciding fifth set was back-and-forth. After being tied at 5-5, 6-6, 7-7, and 8-8, the Violets were able to take control and lead 13-9. Emmanuel did not go away easy, however, as NYU found its lead cut to one at 13-12 and 14-13 before a
Sean Leahy kill clinched the match.
Highlights:- LaPorte led NYU with 17 kills to go along with six digs and six blocks.
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Derrick Chiu dished out a team-best 47 assists for the Violets. The sophomore also added eight digs.
"Derrick was steady today," added Pina. "He consistently set the ball well throughout the match."
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Benjamin Oxnard led the squad with 14 digs.
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Nick Benson subbed in during the third set and helped the Violets battle back. The junior finished with 10 kills, four assists and two aces.
"This was our third winning weekend so far this year," concluded Pina. "We hope to continue playing well and earning wins."
The Violets will be back in action at home on Tuesday, February 24, against local-rival Baruch College. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.
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