The New York University men's volleyball team, ranked #13 by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), suffered a four-set loss (23-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-22) on the road to #15 Dominican University on Tuesday night, March 15, in River Forest, IL.
NYU (10-11) took the first set over the Stars (15-7) by winning the final three points after trailing 23-22. Unfortunately, the Violets dropped the next three sets and dropped below the .500 mark on the season.
"The guys had a good showing tonight against another ranked team," said NYU Head Coach Jose Pina. "We're a bit disappointed in that our last match of the trip was a loss, but the guys that came in and started played really well."Chase Klein, who was just named
Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) South Player of the Week, was the Violets top performer. The junior outside hitter finished with 13 kills on 30 swings with just two errors for a .367 hitting percentage. Klein was also one of two Violets to finish with a double-double as he notched a team-high-tying 10 digs.
HIGHLIGHTS:-
Jaime Rivera saw significant action for the second time this season. The sophomore setter dished out a team-best 43 assists and registered a career-best and team-high-tying 10 digs for his first-career double-double.
"Jaime did pretty well in taking over at setter with
Derrick Chiu and
Patrick Merrick, who had both left the road trip early for Stern Business requirements," continued Pina.
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Chase Corbett led all players with a match-high five total blocks. The sophomore middle hitter added six kills on 17 swings.
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Nick Benson finished with a team-high 14 kills and nine digs.
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Phil Bueno registered six kills, six digs and two blocks.
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Benjamin Oxnard chipped in eight digs.
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Will Kozloski finished with eight kills.
NYU will return to the court on Saturday, March 26, for a home United Volleyball Conference (UVC) Crossover at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility. The Violets will host #8 Nazareth College at 11:00 am and Bard College at 4:00 pm.
"We now go back home and prepare for the completion of our UVC schedule, followed by the conference playoffs," said Pina. "I think we have a very good shot in the UVC Tournament, although six of the teams are ranked and another is receiving votes."
