The #2-ranked New York University men's volleyball team played two matches on Saturday, January 25, at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan. The Violets faced New Jersey City University and Arcadia University.

NYU (6-0) won both matches, continuing their undefeated streak.

The Violets won their first match against NJCU (1-4) in straight sets 25-14, 25-17, 25-22. 

The Violets made quick work of the first set due to their efforts on defense, recording three blocks and six digs, along with hitting .800.

In the second set, the Gothic Knights gained momentum taking the lead for the first time in the match. The Knights forced an NYU timeout at 11-10, after which the Violets regained the lead and won the second.

In the final set, the teams alternated points in the first half. Emerson Evans got a kill to break the 19-19 tie leading NYU to close the match in three.  

The victory marked Coach Piña's 425th win in his 32nd season as head coach of the Violets. 

"It's an accomplishment and a testament to the program's success, " said Coach Piña. "This is more for the guys who have played for me, but it feels good to earn this accomplishment."

Evans led the team in kills and digs recording 12 and six, respectively. Defensively, NYU was dominant at the net with Ethan Du posting four blocks while Ry Kagan had three. Devyn Nguyen had 21 assists leading the offense to an efficient .472 team hitting percentage.

The second match against Arcadia University ended similarly with a sweep (25-17, 25-20, 25-16). 

Evans led with 13 kills while Lucas Osiecki had nine. Once again, blocking was strong. Kagan and Osiecki recorded three a piece, and Luke Boyer posted two. Zach Knudsen was consistent as always holding down serve receive in the back-row.

"For our next match against Baruch we have to be at our best," said Piña. "Baruch is a really good team and will be a challenge."

The Violets return to the Paulson Center on Wednesday to face Baruch College at 7pm.