Princeton University Athletics
Men's Volleyball Eyes Garden State Rival In Saturday's EIVA Quarterfinal
April 22, 2005 | Men's Volleyball
April 22, 2005
On the first Friday of February, the Princeton men's volleyball team began its EIVA journey with a tightly contested 3-2 loss in Newark. The Tigers hope that journey doesn't end Saturday in the exact same location.
Princeton will take on Rutgers-Newark in one of four EIVA quarterfinal contests Saturday at 4 p.m.
The Tigers finished the regular season with a 7-12 record, which included a 3-9 record in the EIVA Tait Division. That mark gave Princeton a fifth-place finish and earned a trip to No. 4 Rutgers-Newark. The Scarlet Raiders ended the season 12-14, 7-5 in the Tait.
While Rutgers swept Princeton this season, the Tigers know they can be competitive with the talented Rutgers team. In its five-game loss, Princeton dropped the first two games 31-29 and 30-28 before rallying for wins of 30-25 and 30-23. Rutgers jumped out in the final game for a 15-8 win to clinch the win. The duo of Brian and Eric Honsberger combined for 38 kills in the win, although Princeton outside hitters Blake Robinson and Peter Eichler combined for 39 kills of their own.
The rematch in Princeton also went to Rutgers, although this time it went only three games. Each game was competitive, though, with Rutgers taking wins of 30-27, 30-27 and 31-29. The Honsbergers had 35 of Rutgers 52 kills in the win, and the Scarlet Raider defense limited Eichler and Robinson to only 21 kills.
Princeton will need exceptional play from its two senior starters, Robinson and middle Sean Vitousek. Robinson has had tremendous efforts against Rutgers-Newark, included a 22-kill effort last season when Princeton rallied from 0-2 down to win at home. Vitousek, an emotional and fiery leader on the court, has finished his career at Princeton with his best season. He is the team leader in blocks and attack percentage, and his knack for earning points at key times has made him a prime target for junior setter Jack Pichard. The winner of Saturday's match will travel to State College, Pa., for a likely semifinal battle with the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions.