The New York University men's volleyball team, currently ranked #2 in the nation by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), topped its United Volleyball Conference (UVC) rival Elmira College in three sets on Saturday, March 7, in Elmira, NY.

NYU (13-2, 4-1) was able to get back into the win column after a couple of tough losses with today's sweep of Elmira (5-14, 1-3). The Violets took the first set 25-10, the second 25-21 and the third 25-16. 

In set one, the Violets got off to a 2-0 start and never relinquished the lead. Elmira got within three (7-4), but the Violets went on an 18-6 tear, at one point scoring five unanswered points book-ended by a pair of service aces from Evan Lindley (Evanston, IL/Evanston Township). 

Things were a bit closer in the second set when Elmira battled back from a 3-0 deficit and took a late 18-17 lead. However, the Eagles committed five late errors, allowing the Violets to retake the lead.

Just like the previous set, the Violets started the third by taking a 3-0 lead, only this time they held onto that lead for the remainder of the set. NYU produced 11 kills in the set, led by Alex Li (Cupertino, CA/Monta Vista) with three. The Violets were able to shut the door early and win with a commanding lead.

"Well-played match by the team today," noted Head Coach Jose Pina. "We cut down our unforced mistakes and were able to better dictate the pace of the match."

Overall, NYU hit .338 compared to Elmira's .037.

Lindley led NYU with eight kills and four service aces, while Ryan Whealen (Fenton, MO/St. Louis University) led all players with 25 assists.

"This all allowed us to play with minimal pressure and ultimately go on to win," concluded Pina.

The Violets will be back out on the court on Wednesday, March 11, when they take on New Paltz College. First serve in New Paltz, NY, is set for 7:00pm.