The New York University men's volleyball team defeated Rutgers University – Newark on Thursday, March 23, at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility.

The Violets (12-7), ranked #9 nationally by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, topped the Scarlet Raiders (9-13) in straight sets (25-16, 25-19, 25-21).

"It was a pretty good performance by the team. We were able to play pretty much the whole squad," said Head Coach Jose Pina. "I was happy with our setting, our ball handling and our passing."

NYU fell behind 3-0 in the first set, but roared back with a pair of 5-0 runs to take the first set 25-16. Down 8-5 in the second set, the Violets went on a 7-2 run to take a 12-10 lead which they would not relinquish, winning the set 25-19. In the third and final set, trailing 21-20, NYU closed on a 5-0 run to take the frame 25-21 and the match in three sets.

"Our hitting wasn't that great in the first game, but after that it picked up, which is what I expected. We just had to work the kinks out," added Pina. "This is the last third of our season, and we're going to play some significant matches against some significant teams, and hopefully winning those matches will get us into the NCAA Tournament."

HIGHLIGHTS

- Evan Lindley and Nick Benson posted a team-leading six kills apiece, while Stephen Tan and Adam Lee added five each.

- Derrick Chiu led all players with 17 assists.

- Connor Keowen recorded a match-high eight digs.

The Violets return to action on Tuesday, March 28, when they take on Ramapo College at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility at 7:00 pm.