Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
#4 UC Irvine
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Volleyball Falls In Season Opener At No. 4 Cal-Irvine
January 27, 2009 | Men's Volleyball
Despite 10 kills from sophomore Vincent Tuminelli and 31 assists from senior Brandon Denham, the Princeton men's volleyball couldn't pull off an upset win to begin the 2009 season. The fourth-ranked Cal-Irvine Anteaters held off a first-set charge by the Tigers en route to a 3-0 home win.
Irvine improved to 7-2 with the win, while Princeton will look for its first win of the season Tuesday night against Cal-Baptist. Princeton will play four matches during its break-week trip through California; the Tigers head to Cal-San Diego on Wednesday and Hope International on Thursday.
Irvine took Monday's match 30-27, 30-21, 30-20. Princeton kept the opening game tight and trailed 18-17 before watching the hosts go on a 4-0 run to open a 22-17 lead. Princeton got to within two points at 29-27, but a kill by Austin D'Amore ended the set and sent the Anteaters to a strong second and third set.
Tuminelli, who replaces All-East outside Peter Eichler in the starting lineup, recorded 10 kills and five digs for the Tigers, while fellow outside Phillip Rosenberg recorded eight kills and a match-best eight digs. Middles Mike Vincent and Jeff McCown combined for nine digs, but they were neutralized by the athletic Irvine squad; neither hit above .100 for the match.