Princeton University Athletics
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Men's Volleyball Hosts Juniata Saturday In Key Tait Matchup
March 05, 2010 | Men's Volleyball
After its thrilling 3-2 victory over Saint Francis one week ago, the Princeton men's volleyball team will look to move above the .500 mark for the first time this season Saturday afternoon when it takes on Tait Division rival Juniata.
Princeton is 3-1 at home this season, with its only loss coming to nationally ranked Penn State last weekend. Home victories are crucial in the Tait Division, as five teams look to be in the hunt for four EIVA playoff positions over the next month.
Juniata, which played last night at Springfield College, is the reigning Division III national champion and had a 3-0 victory over George Mason during a recent three-match win streak. Leading the way for the Eagles this season has been Zach Wanner, who is averaging more than four kills per set, and Evan Halteman, who has nearly three kills and .9 blocks per set.
Ever since a three-match road trip to California, Princeton has gone 5-2 and is getting significantly stronger play from middles Jeff McCown and Michael Dye, both of whom rank in the Top 10 in EIVA hitting percentage. McCown currently leads the team and ranks sixth in the league with a .397 hitting percentage, while Dye stands eighth with a .367 percentage.
In terms of overall hitting, Princeton junior Vincent Tuminelli isn't far behind Wanner in the league kills race. Wanner currently ranks fourth, while Tuminelli ranks seventh with 3.86 kills per set.
Senior co-captain Carl Hamming showed the courage and leadership needed of a veteran starter last weekend against Saint Francis. One day after fighting illness in a loss to Penn State, Hamming recorded 22 kills and five digs in a 3-2 win over the Red Flash. Princeton showed terrific resilience in the match, rallying from a 2-1 deficit with wins of 30-24 and 15-9. Freshman Pat Schwagler contributed an impressive 18 kills in the win.