Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Rutgers-Newark
Players Mentioned
Volleyball Moves Into Second Place With Home Victory Over Rutgers-Newark
February 29, 2012 | Men's Volleyball
Freshman Cody Kessel waited a month to make his home debut for the Princeton men's volleyball team. He made sure the performance was worth the wait. His 16 kills, six blocks and five digs helped the Tigers to a 3-1 victory over Rutgers-Newark Wednesday night at Dillon Gym.
The win improved Princeton to 5-4, 4-2 in the EIVA. Rutgers-Newark fell to 7-7, 1-5 in the EIVA. The Tigers have won three of their last four matches, and they still have six of their remaining eight league matches to be played in Dillon Gym.
Both Kessel and fellow rookie Will Siroky had highly efficient hitting performances for Princeton, which will host both Sacred Heart (Friday, 7) and Harvard (Saturday, 4) this weekend. Kessel had 16 kills in 26 swings with only three errors (.500), while Siroky had 11 kills in 17 swings with only two errors (.529) from his middle position.
Junior Michael Dye had an explosive match with 14 kills and four service aces, while senior Scott Liljestrom paced the office with 45 assists. Princeton hit .323 for the match, including a brilliant performance of .778 in the opening set. Sophomore Davis Waddell had a match-best 11 digs and added five kills.
Princeton took the first two sets 25-14 and 25-20, but the Scarlet Knights battled back in the third for a 25-23 win. The fourth game was tight until middle Brad Howard served Princeton on a deep run that put Rutgers away.
The victory moves Princeton into a share of second place with Saint Francis; the Tigers won a road match at the Red Flash last weekend.