Princeton University Athletics
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Volleyball Hosts NYU In 2010 Home Opener
February 08, 2010 | Men's Volleyball
The Princeton men's volleyball team, coming off a 3-0 victory over NJIT last Friday, will make its 2010 home debut Tuesday night against NYU.
Princeton is 1-3 on the season, although its three losses came against ranked competition during a season-opening road trip to California. Since returning home, the Tigers have placed a mark in the win column with a 3-0 victory at NJIT. A strong hitting night from Vincent Tuminelli and a balanced offensive attack led by the play of sophomore setter Scott Liljestrom helped Princeton sweep the Highlanders.
The Tigers were supposed to open its EIVA Tait Division play on Saturday at George Mason, but the winter snowstorm took care of that. The two teams will now play in Fairfax. Va., on April 11 at 3 p.m. That match will take place nine days after the two teams meet in Dillon Gym. Princeton will now open its Tait Division season this Friday at Springfield.
NYU comes into Tuesday's match with a 1-4 record, including losses to Tait Division squads Saint Francis and Juniata.
Princeton will use Monday's final practice before the home opener to test itself against the past Tiger elite. Five former men's players, including All-America Marin Gjaja '92 and members of the 1998 EIVA championship team Derek Devens '98 and Scott Birdwell '98, will make their way to Dillon Gym for the first Alumni Match under new head coach Sam Shweisky. John Hutchinson '94 and David Newman '96 will also be competing for the alumni team.
"We are very excited to welcome back five very significant Princeton volleyball alums," Shweisky said. "Derek and Scott played on the 1998 NCAA final four team while Gjaja played for the U.S. national team and is considered by many to be the best player to ever play at Princeton. We are honored to have them back in Dillon Hall to pass on the traditions. The young dudes — as the old dudes endearingly refer to them — are pumped for the match."