In a tight match between two of the top teams in the nation, the New York University men's volleyball team was defeated by host Stevens Institute of Technology on Tuesday, February 10, in Hoboken, NJ. 

The Violets (7-2), who are currently ranked #6, dropped their second match of the season, while the #2-ranked Ducks improved to 10-1.

NYU captured the first set 25-23, but Stevens rebounded to sweep the next three by scores of 25-20, 26-24, 28-26. .

The Violets only trailed once in the first set, 22-21. It was tied 23-23 when Jerry Feng's kill followed by a Ducks' attack error ended the set.

NYU led 18-14 in the second set, but Stevens went on an 8-0 run and led the rest of the way.

The final two sets both extended into extra points, with Stevens clinching the final one on a pair of kills.

Emerson Evans led the Violets with 18 kills, while both Feng and Charlie Clifford had 13.

Devyn Nguyen paced the squad with 43 assists and Bennet Tchaikovsky had a team-high 21 digs.

"The guys competed tonight. A hard-fought match by two good teams," said Head Coach Jose Pina. "Our inexperience showed at times, but how the young men hung in against a tough and experienced opponent bodes well for our future."

The Violets are back in action this Thursday when they host Ramapo College at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan. First serve is set for 7:00pm.