Princeton University Athletics
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Sacred Heart
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Volleyball Completes Season With Dramatic Comeback Win At Sacred Heart
April 17, 2016 | Men's Volleyball
Give Devin Stearns credit. He has a flair for the dramatic.
One day, he's leading Princeton to its first win over Penn State this century. On another, he's pushing Princeton to the 2014 EIVA Championship match.
The former All-EIVA player had 33 kills one match this season, nearly leading his younger teammates to an upset over an MPSF program. On Saturday, he punctuated his memorable career with 22 kills, eight digs, four assists and two blocks in a wild 3-2 victory at Sacred Heart during the 2016 finale.
Of course, Stearns wasn't alone in his heroic efforts Saturday. Junior Kurt Thiemann came off the bench for 18 kills and seven digs, while sophomore outside Kendall Ratter added 10 kills, six digs and three blocks in the 18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 22-25, 15-13 victory.
The Tigers got the hot start they needed in the final set, scoring five of the first seven points to grab the early advantage. The Pioneers chipped away and eventually tied it at 12-12, but Stearns recorded the 876th and final kill of his career to give the Tigers a 13-12 lead.
Sacred Heart responded, but Thiemann answered again to give Princeton a match ball, and a Sacred Heart hitting error clinched the Tiger victory and season sweep.
Junior setter Chris Kennedy came off the bench and recorded 40 assists and 11 digs, while freshman libero Corry Short added 10 digs of his own. Senior Alex Schindele-Murayama had three kills, two blocks and two digs, while fellow middle Trey Sickler added four blocks and three kills in the win.