Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Stevens Tech
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Men's Volleyball Tops Stevens, Will Play For Semifinal Berth Saturday At George Mason
April 10, 2007 | Men's Volleyball
Without playing a league match, the Princeton men's volleyball team took one giant step towards a semifinal berth in the upcoming EIVA playoffs. While the Tigers defeated Stevens Tech 3-1 on Senior Night in Dillon Gym, Juniata topped St. Francis 3-1 in the league finale for both squads. That result opens the door for Princeton to grab second place and a double-bye into the league semifinals, but the Tigers will need to defeat George Mason in a road match Saturday night.
Princeton (11-8) clinched a better than .500 record with a 30-25, 30-26, 26-30, 30-15 victory over Stevens Tech (33-7). The Tigers were led by their two outside hitters, who combined for 33 kills on the evening. Junior captain Peter Eichler led all players with 20 kills and led Princeton with eight assists, while Phillip Rosenberg added 13 kills, six assists and a .333 attack percentage. Junior Brandon Denham had a match-high 63 assists, while Mike Vincent had five blocks to go along with eight kills, five digs and three aces.
The Tigers used an early surge to control the first game, and a later surge to take game two. Stevens Tech, who came in with an impressive 33-win resume, jumped all over Princeton early in the third. The Tigers slowly clawed their way back into the game, but they were never able to even the score and eventually fell 30-26. Not to be denied, Princeton dominated the fourth to close with a 30-15 win.
Prior to the match, Princeton honored its three seniors, Reid Joseph, R.J. Liljestrom and Evan Pasion. Whether or not those three play another match will be determined Saturday night, when the Tigers travel to George Mason for a 7 p.m. match. Princeton is 6-5 in EIVA Tait play, one half game behind second-place St. Francis. The Tigers, who swept St. Francis this season, would gain second place and an automatic berth in the semifinals with a win. If Princeton loses, it would fall to 6-6 in the league play and likely fall to fouth place. If Princeton loses, regardless of any other league result this week, Princeton will play a quarterfinal match next Saturday afternoon at Dillon Gym.