Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Springfield
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Springfield Rallies Past Volleyball 3-1
March 05, 2011 | Men's Volleyball
Despite a quick start and 11 kills from sophomore middle Michael Dye, the Princeton men's volleyball team fell to 1-10 overall and 0-7 in the EIVA Tait with a 3-1 loss at Springfield College. The Tigers took the opening set 27-25, but the Pride controlled play on its home floor throughout the final three sets.
Dye had 11 kills, three service aces and two blocks during the match, while senior outside Vincent Tuminelli added 19 kills and four digs. Junior Scott Liljestrom paced the offense with 22 assists, while freshman Brad Howard had three blocks and two kills.
Princeton played some of its best volleyball of the season early in the first set and built a 22-12 lead, but the Pride rallied back with 11 of the next 12 points and forced the opener to go beyond the 25-point mark. While Princeton held on with a Dye kill and an error, the strong Springfield play bolstered the home squad through the next three sets. The Pride raced out in the second for a 25-16 win and followed with another 25-16 win in the third. A 9-1 Springfield start in the fourth would end up being a 25-11 win.
Princeton now has three Tait matches remaining, including a home match with Penn State later this month. The Tigers will need at least two wins in their final three matches and some help to push past Saint Francis for the final playoff spot in the division.
Princeton will continue its New England weekend with a road match at Harvard Saturday afternoon.