In its second match in two days, the 10th-ranked New York University Men's Volleyball team defeated United Volleyball Conference (UVC) foe Elmira College in four sets at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility.

The Violets won by set scores of 25-17, 25-21, 20-25, 25-17, picking up their fifth straight victory as the squad improved to 7-3 overall and 3-0 in league play.

"The team is coming together," said Head Coach José Piña. "It's halfway through the season so we need to get it going at a slightly higher level., But, we're effective. We have a lot talent and we're getting some well-deserved wins. We just have to stop the lulls when we give the other team three or five straight points."

NYU never trailed in the first, jumping out to a 7-2 lead and recording 13 kills in the frame for a 25-17 win.

Elmira found its stride in the second, scoring the first four points of the set and establishing a 12-9 lead after a pair of NYU errors. The Violets then scored five consecutive points to get back on top, 14-12, and the teams exchanged mini runs until James Haag finished off the 25-21 triumph with a resounding kill.

The Soaring Eagles continued to improve in the third as they scored three straight points after trailing 11-10 to take the lead for good. The visitors closed the set on a 7-3 run, including five kills from Eric Jackson, to win the set 25-20 and make things interesting.

NYU led by just three points late in the fourth, 16-13, but used an 8-1 spurt to put the match away and remain perfect in conference play.

Haag, a senior captain, shined in this one and Coach Piña praised him post-game.

"James has been playing outstanding. He's had a great year so far," Pina stressed. "He's sort of the glue of the team because he gets the offense going and is a very strong defender and passer."

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

• Haag collected a match-high 20 points on the strength of 14 kills (.444), four aces and three total blocks. 
• Ryan Whealen dished out a match-high 38 assists alongside seven digs, four kills, three blocks, and two aces.
• Tyler Flood added seven kills (.438), five blocks and an ace.
• Libero Zach Knudsen brought up seven digs to pace NYU's defense.
• The Violets hit over .300 (.301) for the fourth time this season and held Elmira to a .159 clip.

NEXT UP

NYU reverts back to non-league play, hosting #4 Stevens on Wednesday, February 23, at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility. First serve goes up at 7:00 pm.