Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Stevens Tech
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Volleyball Ends Skid With 3-1 Victory Over Stevens; Key Tait Match Awaits
March 07, 2009 | Men's Volleyball
The Princeton men's volleyball team rallied from a 1-0 hole to claim the final three sets in a much-needed 3-1 home victory over Stevens Tech Friday. The win ended a two-match losing streak and will send Princeton into a crucial Saturday showdown with EIVA Tait rival George Mason will a degree of momentum.
Four players recorded double-digit kills, including a match-best 17 from junior Jeff McCown, who added seven blocks in the 27-30, 30-25, 30-28, 30-24 victory. The win improved Princeton to 6-6 overall, while Stevens Tech, one of the top teams in Division III, fell to 16-5 overall.
Senior Phillip Rosenberg recorded 15 kills and six digs, while junior Carl Hamming added 12 kills and 11 digs. Senior middle Mike Vincent had 11 kills for the Tigers, while senior setter Brandon Denham recorded 55 assists and six digs. Sophomore Vincent Tuminelli also had 11 digs, while senior Ka'ohu Berg-Hee recorded eight digs.
Princeton seemed in control early, but Stevens Tech went on a 9-2 run midway through the opening set to turn an 18-13 deficit into a 22-20 lead. Princeton got to within one point late, but a pair of blocks by the Ducks helped Stevens Tech to a 30-27 win. The Ducks got off to a strong start in the second set, but four straight missed serves gave Princeton the chance to gets its offense back in synch. A 7-1 run by Princeton turned a 16-16 tie into a 23-17 lead, and the Tigers pushed forward to the win.
Both teams raised their defensive intensity in the third set and, in turn, lowered their opponent's attack percentage. The score remained tight through most of the set, but Princeton ran off five straight points on Denham's serve. A kill by Rosenberg gave Princeton three set balls; Stevens Tech fought off the first two, but Vincent clinched the game with a final swing.
Stevens Tech raced out to an 18-12 lead in the fourth, but Princeton had one last rally in it. A 4-0 run on Denham's serve and consecutive aces by Rosenberg helped Princeton to a 23-22 lead, and the Tigers won the final five points to take the match.
Princeton will now face a crucial EIVA Tait Division match Saturday at 4 p.m. against George Mason, which dropped a 3-0 decision at Penn State Friday night. Coming off two straight divisional home losses, Princeton needs a win over the Patriots to help its chase for a first-round bye in the EIVA playoffs.