Young men's volleyball looks for EIVA success

Men's volleyball has three returning starters from last season's 6-13

(4-11 Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) squad in senior middle hitter Scott Dore, junior opposite Dennis Alshuler, and sophomore setter Jason Liljestrom.

With the departure of seniors Blair Anderson, Ryan Black, Steve Cooper and Kevin Roche, Princeton will look to freshmen outside hitters Blake Robinson and Ryn Burns to fill the void. Robinson and Burns have started against all four of the Tigers' opponents this season.

"With only three returning starters, others will be forced to step into major roles on the team. Among these players are Blake Robinson, Ryn Burns, [senior middle blocker] Joel Moxley, and [freshman middle blocker] Sean Vitousek," said Dore.

Given that Princeton returned just three starters from the previous season, depth will be a major concern for the Tigers.

"Our biggest weakness is our depth, and injuries have already hampered us this season," said Dore.

As a result, Princeton's starting lineup is best described as youthful and anchored by some experienced players.

The Tigers head into this season hoping to break the trend of early exits from post-season tournament play. Princeton has failed to advance to the second round of EIVA tournament for three straight years.

But before the Tigers set their sights on post-season success, they will need to finish no lower than in the top four of the EIVA Tait Division. To do this, Princeton will have to find a way to beat strong teams like Penn State, Concordia, and George Mason.

"The best teams in our league are Penn State, Concordia, and George Mason. We are looking to battle with these teams and finish in the top three or four, and then win some playoff games," senior opposite Gary Chern said.

Last season the Tigers were swept in three games at Penn State, 30-24, 30-20, 30-27. The second meeting between Princeton and the Nittany Lions was far from lopsided, however. The Tigers lost at home 3-2 (25-30, 23-30, 30-20, 30-25, 15-6), forcing Penn State to rally to win the last three games. The loss was unfortunate for the Tigers, but proved Princeton could compete with the league's best.

"The past few years, we've had chances to compete with some of the top teams in our league, but have not taken advantage of them. Although there are some exceptional teams in our league, including Penn State, George Mason, and Concordia, we have the potential to give even these teams some trouble," said Dore.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

Roughly one year ago at Concordia, Princeton fell 3-1 (30-26, 27-30, 30-27, 30-25) in the teams' first meeting. In their second meeting the Tigers lost 3-0 (30-26, 30-25, 31-29) at home.

Princeton has also struggled against conference foe George Mason in the past. The Patriots swept the Tigers in both their meetings last season, the second coming in the quarterfinals of the EIVAs.

Another obstacle in Princeton's path this season will be Juniata. The Eagles defeated the Tigers twice last season, 3-1 (28-30, 30-26, 30-23, 30-25) and 3-2 (28-30, 27-30, 30-21, 30-25, 15-9).

"Juniata is one of our big rivals that we will need to beat in order to finish in the top four," said Chern.

After a four-game swing out west, Princeton is 1-3 heading into crucial showdowns with Juniata and Penn State this weekend. On Friday the Tigers begin league play against the Eagles, and then face the Nittany Lions the next afternoon.

On Feb. 14 Princeton has its home opener against Concordia.