Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
Men's Volleyball Heads To Ohio State For Weekend Pair vs. No. 9 Buckeyes
April 06, 2011 | Men's Volleyball
The men's volleyball team has traditionally reserved April for EIVA competition, but this coming weekend will give the Tigers a new, Top-10 opponent to compete against; Princeton will play a weekend pair at Ohio State, starting Friday at 7 against the No. 9 Buckeyes.
Princeton has been eliminated from EIVA postseason competition because it loses a potential tiebreak with Saint Francis, so these matches provide the Tigers their best opportunity at a highlight weekend. Their offense has been sparked by the hitting return of Vincent Tuminelli, who was limited to libero much of the season due to injury. In his last two matches, the 2010 EIVA all-tournament team selection has averaged 19.5 kills and 6.5 digs.
A pair of underclassmen have also played a big role in the improved hitting. Sophomore Michael Dye, who was also an all-tournament team selection last season, has averaged 13 kills and three blocks in the last two matches. After recording double-digit kills three times in the first 13 games, Dye has hit at least 10 in each of the last five matches, including a season-high 18 at NYU.
Freshman Jeff Stapleton continues to have a banner season, as he leads the team with 2.8 kills and .4 aces per set. His serving has been especially strong recently, with seven aces in the last four matches and several offensive runs coming on his serve. Stapleton leads all EIVA freshmen and ranks third overall in aces.
Ohio State has already won the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association regular season title and is 18-5 overall this season. Both John Klanac and Shawn Sangrey average more than three kills per set, while Steven Kehoe averages 11.6 assists per set. Ohio State will be celebrating Senior Day Saturday before heading to State College, Pa., Sunday to take on No. 10 Penn State.