Princeton Fends Off Match Ball, NJIT With 17-15 Fifth-Set Thriller

Tuesday, March 5

Princeton, N.J.

7:00 PM

Princeton University

9-8, 7-1EIVA

NJIT

4-10, 0-6EIVA

NJIT

Princeton

Photo by: Beverly Schaefer

Princeton Fends Off Match Ball, NJIT With 17-15 Fifth-Set Thriller

March 05, 2019 | Men's Volleyball

Box Score

Princeton faced a determined NJIT team, and then a match ball, but the first-place Tigers held on for an important 3-2 home victory over the Highlanders Tuesday night in the first of a home-and-home series with the Highlanders. The two teams will play again Friday at 6 pm in Newark.

Junior George Huhmann continued his recent stellar play with 18 kills, seven blocks and four service aces, while classmate Parker Dixon added 15 kills, three blocks and digs, including the winning swing on match ball that finally ended a thrilling 17-15 final set. Greg Luck added 11 kiills and three aces, while sophomore Joe Kelly paced the offense with 45 assists.

Princeton seemed in full control after wins of 25-20 and 25-19 to open a 2-0 lead, but the Tigers understand how quickly things can change in EIVA play. NJIT got a big win in the third set and then dominated the fourth to send the match to a final set, but Princeton freshman Jerod Nelsen served the Tigers on an early 3-0 run to give the home team a lead it would hold for much of the final set.

Not all of it, though. NJIT would rally late and held match ball at 14-13, but a service error put the ball back on Princeton's side. Senior Kendall Ratter served one off an NJIT chest to open a 15-14 lead, and following a sideout, a Luck kill opened a 16-15 lead and gave Princeton a second match ball. That one would be a microcosm of the match — a long rally of resilient play that Princeton finally won.

WOW! Parker Dixon ends a long rally and a longer match! Tigers stay alone in first place with a dramatic 17-15 win over NJIT. Rematch Friday night in Newark. pic.twitter.com/edMzGrcv0l
— PrincetonVolley (@PrincetonVolley) March 6, 2019

Princeton is now 7-1 in EIVA play, while NJIT fell to 0-6. Following the rematch Friday, Princeton will return to Dillon Gym Saturday to face #7 Lewis. Links for both matches are available below.

March 8 at NJIT: Live Video l Live Stats
March 9 vs. Lewis: Live Video l Live Stats