Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Rutgers-Newark
Players Mentioned
Men's Volleyball Moves To 2-1 In League Play, Knocks Off Rutgers In Four Games
February 20, 2007 | Men's Volleyball
The Princeton men's volleyball team started its EIVA Tait season with three straight road matches, a daunting task for a young squad. The Tigers finished that stretch in positive fashion, knocking off tough in-state rival Rutgers-Newark 3-1. Princeton moved to 4-4 overall, but more importantly, it improved to 2-1 in league play with a stretch of home matches on the horizon.
Princeton claimed the match 30-24, 30-26, 28-30, 30-24. Since a season-opening three-match losing streak in California, Princeton has won four of its last five matches, and its only loss came in a five-game road match.
The Tigers got 30 kills from their outside hitters, Peter Eichler and Phillip Rosenberg. Eichler led the team with 16 kills, while Rosenberg led all outsides with a .375 attack percentage. Princeton also got double-digit kills from middle Mike Vincent (12) and rightside specialist Reid Joseph (10). Sophomore setter Brandon Denham continued his terrific EIVA start with 60 assists and a .750 hitting percentage. Middle hitter Evan Pasion had seven kills in eight swings and added five blocks.
The Tigers hit better than .300 in their three winning games, and below .100 in their one loss. Besides effective hitting, Princeton used a strong defense against the Scarlet Raiders. The Tigers limited their rivals to below-.200 hitting in each game.
Princeton's next match will provide a major test, as the Tigers will play host to EIVA favorite and 2006 NCAA finalist Penn State. The match will begin at 7 p.m. in Dillon Gym.