Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Juniata
Players Mentioned
Volleyball Gains Momentum Before Key Weekend With 3-0 Win
March 20, 2011 | Men's Volleyball
With its biggest weekend of the season upcoming, the Princeton men's volleyball finally has something it has sorely lacked all season — momentum. A hard-fought 3-0 win over Hay Division leader Juniata will send the Tigers into next weekend's crucial Tait homestand with some positive energy.
Princeton got a match-high 17 kills from freshman Jeff Stapleton, who won his first career home match, and got 12 kills and four blocks from junior Michael Dye in a 25-19, 26-24, 25-17 victory over the Eagles. The win ends a nine-match losing streak for the Tigers, who will host Penn State (Friday, 7) and Saint Francis (Saturday, 4) next weekend at Dillon Gym.
"I'm really proud of the fight and determination," said head coach Sam Shweisky. "We've been waiting to turn the corner, and hopefully today was that day. I'm really proud of the way they fought, and it was nice to see it pay off."
Efficient hitting was key for the Tigers, who recorded a .429 attack percentage for the match. Stapleton had 17 kills, four digs, three blocks, two service aces and two assists while hitting .424 for the match; one of his service aces ended a second-set rally and gave Princeton full control of the match with the 26-24 victory. Dye, who added four digs and two assists, hit .375 in the win. The middles were also efficient, killing a total of nine balls in 12 swings. Senior Keenan McCarthy was a perfect 4-for-4, while Howard had five kills.
Princeton will now need to win at least two more matches to have a shot at the EIVA postseason, including the Saturday match with fifth-place Saint Francis.
Leading the offense was junior setter Scott Liljestrom, who recorded 39 assists, four digs and three kills.