Princeton University Athletics
Whitfield Awarded EIVA Freshman of the Year; Harrington, Omene and Wedbush Named First Team All-EIVA
April 17, 2024 | Men's Volleyball
Freshman of the Year
As a freshman middle blocker, his impact on the court this season was significant. Whitfield recorded 57 kills, averaging 1.09 kills per set with a hitting percentage of .414. Additionally, he contributed 23 digs and six aces.
Whitfield's standout performance was in blocking at the net, where he amassed 75 total blocks, including nine solo blocks. This places him among the top six in the EIVA, despite playing slightly over 60 percent of his team's sets. His average of 1.32 blocks per set leads the conference, and had he played a few more sets to reach the eligibility threshold (67 percent of team sets), he would rank second in the nation, just behind Long Beach State's Simon Torwie who averaged 1.34 blocks per set.
During the season, Whitfield showcased his blocking prowess in nine matches, achieving five or more blocks, particularly excelling in eight out of his last 12 contests. A standout performance occurred in the Tigers' final regular-season series, where he recorded 11 blocks, including three solo blocks, during a five-set match against Charleston. Throughout the season, Whitfield competed in 18 of Princeton's 23 matches, starting in 12 of them.
First Team All-EIVA
Outside hitter Ben Harrington was named to the First Team All-EIVA for the third time in his collegiate career.. Pin hitter Nyherowo Omene and setter Henry Wedbush also were recognized on the First Team.
All-EIVA Academic Team
Gavin Leising
Austin Kerker
Kyle Gschwend
Josh Coan
James Hartley
Ben Harrington
