Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
Volleyball Looks For Record-Setting Third Ranked Win During Spring Trip
March 16, 2015 | Men's Volleyball
BALL STATE MATCH: Live Video l Live Stats
TWITTER: @PrincetonVolley l @PUTigers
Since Princeton gained full varsity status prior to the 1997 season, the men's volleyball team has beaten a pair of nationally ranked teams in a single season twice (1998, 2013). The current team already has wins over Cal State-Northridge and Harvard, both of which were ranked 13th at the time.
The Tigers will have two chances to make program history this week, as they travel to both No. 11 Ohio State and No. 14 Ball State over the next few days.
Princeton (8-5) is coming off a six-match homestand, but will now begin a six-match road trip against two of the top programs from the MIVA.
Ohio State (14-5) is already 4-0 against EIVA programs this season, including one win over Penn State and a home-and-home sweep of George Mason. The Buckeyes are led by the underclassman duo of Nicolas Szerszen and Miles Johnson, both of whom are averaging more than 4.0 points per set this season.
Ball State (11-9) had an early-season win over Penn State, but the Cardinals have dropped four of six heading into Wednesday's matchup. Ball State has been balanced on offense, with five players averaging at least two points per set. Setter Hiago Garchet leads the offense with 10.06 assists per set.
Princeton sophomore middle Junior Oboh, in the midst of his best season, ranks sixth in the nation with 1.27 blocks per set. He will face arguably his toughest test of the year Wednesday against Matt Walsh of Ball State; Walsh leads the NCAA with 1.55 blocks per set.
Princeton senior Cody Kessel ranks third in the NCAA in both points (5.29) and kills (4.33) per set.