Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
St. Francis
April 19, 2015 | Men's Volleyball
BOX SCORE
Cody Kessel won't ever forget his final match in Dillon Gym.
The senior All-America carried the Princeton men's volleyball team into the 2015 EIVA postseason with one of the best nights of his brilliant career. He posted a season-high 30 kills to lead the Tigers to a 3-2 comeback win over Saint Francis during Senior Night. It was the second-most kills in his career, only behind his 31 against Juniata (2012).
Even more importantly, Kessel assured himself one more shot at an EIVA championship. The victory clinched a berth in the postseason for a fourth straight year; the Tigers will battle for the third seed next Friday night in the regular season finale at George Mason.
"It's so good to get back in the playoffs," Kessel said. "It was a magical night for me, Will, Tony and Conor Dube. We have put so much into the program over these last four years.
"We still haven't put it all together," he added. "There have been moments, but we still haven't put it all together against a quality opponent. When we do, we'll be dangerous."
Princeton needed every one of his 30 kills during a tense 26-24, 19-25, 23-25, 28-26, 15-12 win over the Red Flash, which was chasing the Tigers for a playoff spot entering the night. After trailing 2-1 in the match, Princeton maintained a lead through most of the fourth and sent the match to a final set on its fourth opportunity.
The Tigers raced out in the fifth, but Saint Francis had one final run in it. The Red Flash grabbed a lead at 12-11, but Kessel's four-year teammate took over from there. Senior middle Will Siroky recorded three kills in the final four points, including one on match ball, to secure the Tigers' 11th win of the season.
Fittingly, the third member of the senior trio that has started since Day 1 led the defensive effort. Senior libero Tony Ensbury had a season-best 15 digs in the win.
Sophomore Junior Oboh had 10 kills, four blocks and hit .462 in the win, while fellow middle Siroky had nine kills and three blocks. Junior Zach Shaw had nine kills, while sophomore Chris Kennedy had 54 assists.
