Princeton University Athletics
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Volleyball Faces Tough EIVA Road Trip In Search Of Momentum, Wins
February 09, 2011 | Men's Volleyball
The road is rarely kind in the EIVA, and it can be especially tough when that road includes a stop in State College, Pa. For a Princeton team searching for some of its 2010 magic, not to mention a 2011 league win, this weekend provides both the toughest road trip in the EIVA season and the opportunity to get its young season back on track.
Princeton (1-4, 0-1 EIVA Tait) will play two tough road matches in less than 24 hours, beginning Friday at 7 p.m. at Saint Francis. The Red Flash is 3-4 overall and 2-0 in the division, although its losses have come to frontrunners Penn State (3-1) and George Mason (3-0). Saint Francis has used a balanced offensive attack this season, with Colin Sherwin, Logan Patterson and Chad Martson each averaging more than 2.5 kills per set. Adam Roche and Seth Syty each average more than 1.2 blocks per set for a Red Flash team that turned some heads with a 3-2 comeback win over #14 Loyola (Ill.) last week.
Penn State, the 12-time reigning EIVA champion, is 7-2 on the season and ranked ninth nationally. The Nittany Lions are 2-0 in Tait play, including wins over both Saint Francis and Springfield, and they are coming off a victory over No. 13 Cal State Northridge last weekend. Penn State is led by junior Joe Sunder, who is averaging more than five kills per set and was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2010 EIVA tournament; he recorded a double-double against Princeton in the EIVA final with 12 kills and 10 digs.
While both opponents provide tough challenges, especially in their respective home arenas, Princeton head coach Sam Shweisky is just looking for improved play from his own squad. Following its 3-1 victory over Hope International to conclude its California trip, the Tigers have lost 3-1 matches at Rutgers-Newark and at home against NYU. The loss at Newark was the Tait opener for the Tigers, who need to win once this weekend to avoid an 0-3 division start.
Senior co-captain Vincent Tuminelli has been his typical explosive self, recording team highs with both 3.4 kills and 1.7 digs. Freshman Jeff Stapleton has been impressive in his first season, recording 2.9 kills and 1.1 digs per set this season. Sophomore Michael Dye is averaging 1.1 blocks per set, most on the team, while Stapleton has a team-best .6 aces per set.
This weekend opens a six-match run of Tait Division matches. The Tigers will host three straight divisional matches, starting next Friday at 7 p.m. against George Mason. Princeton went 3-0 against the Patriots last year, including a 3-1 victory in the EIVA semifinal.