It is official: the men's volleyball team is back — with a vengeance. Last weekend the Tigers settled an old score with Rutgers, a team that had swept them in Feb., and reminded rival Juniata why winning in Dillon is no easy task.
Earlier this season, Princeton (12-10 overall) struggled against the Eagles on the road,winning 3-2, but had no trouble whatsoever last Friday as the Tigers routed Juniata in just three games.
The turning point for Princeton came in the second game when the Tigers jumped out to a big lead en route to a 30-11 massacre. After defeating the Eagles 30-25 in the first game, Princeton was determined to make a statement in the second — and prevailed.
The Tigers put together several runs of four points or more, and at one point led by 20 before closing out the second game. Juniata never threatened Princeton, largely due to aces by junior opposite Dennis Alshuler and key blocks by senior middle hitter Scott Dore.
After the dust had settled from the pivotal second match, the atmosphere in Dillon was electric, as 200 cheering fans watched the Tigers put on a clinic against the demoralized Eagles. Princeton fed on the electricity and used it to close out the sweep in the third game.
"The fan support definitely gave us an added boost. In my four years of playing volleyball here at Princeton, I've never had a crowd even close to that for a home game," Dore said.
Though Juniata appeared ready to fold after losing badly in the second game, the Eagles showed some resilience by forcing the Tigers to earn a tough 30-27 win the final game. In the end, however, Princeton was simply too much for Juniata; the Tigers continued to execute well in virtually every phase of the match.
Although the majority of the third game went back and forth, Princeton led most of the way, only faltering slightly towards the end. Before the Tigers put together a crucial 3-0 run towards the end of the match, the Eagles threatened to take control. Luckily, some timely digs by Alshuler and freshman outside hitter Blake Robinson helped halt one of Juniata's 3-0 runs in the latter part of the game, preserving the win for Princeton.
The Tigers were paced by Robinson's 13 kills and four digs, while freshman outside hitter Ryn Burns added nine kills on an impressive .533 hitting percentage.
Dore also had an impressive showing, recording seven kills and six blocks in the win. And the way Alshuler played — notching six kills, four aces, and five digs — he hardly appeared like someone recovering from a serious injury.
The Tigers seemed to do everything right against the Eagles, in what was one of the team's best performances of the season.
"I am very pleased with our performance on Friday night," Dore said. "We came out fired up to play Juniata and we were able to jump on them from the start of the match."
"Against Juniata, we did the little things right: serving, passing, blocking. We took Juniata out of their game and were able to close the door on them in three. With an inconsistent team like Juniata, it is important to prevent them from gaining confidence and momentum."
Princeton continued its winning ways Saturday at Rutgers, claiming the win in three games.
The result was remarkable considering the Scarlet Knights had swept the Tigers at home earlier in the year. But that was with Burns and Alshuler out of the lineup due to injury. This time around, Princeton was the aggressor and came out on top.
"Again, we came out fired up and had the same level of confidence as we did against Juniata," Dore said. "The Rutgers match was closer but very similar. We took their players out of their game and forced them to make more mistakes than they are used to making."
The Tigers definitely turned some heads by knocking off Rutgers, a team that has almost cracked the top 25 nationally in recent weeks.
On Wednesday Princeton takes aim at another conference rival in Concordia.
Read More
Women’s ice hockey names Courtney Kessel as new head coach
Lily PampolinaFollowing the resignation of Cara Gardner Morey, Princeton appointed Courtney Kessel as head coach.
Following the resignation of Cara Gardner Morey, Princeton appointed Courtney Kessel as head coach.
Former women’s basketball forward Parker Hill ’25 signs professional contract in Switzerland
Doug SchwartzAfter a successful senior season, women's basketball forward Parker Hill signed a contact to play professional basketball in Europe, following in the steps of her past teammates.
After a successful senior season, women's basketball forward Parker Hill signed a contact to play professional basketball in Europe, following in the steps of her past teammates.
No. 7 women’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals against No. 1 UNC
Hayk YengibaryanWith the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
With the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.