Tigers end three-game losing skid

Having home-court advantage for the first time this season proved to be the perfect remedy for the men's volleyball team's recent slump. The Tigers (2-5 overall, 1-3 Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) snapped their three-game losing streak with an impressive third-game comeback against NYU. Princeton swept the Violets on Tuesday night in Dillon Gym, earning its first league victory, 30-17, 30-26, 36-34.

After the Tigers dominated play in the first two games of the night, NYU (3-4, 0-2) suddenly seized momentum early in the third.

The Violets grabbed an early advantage in that game and widened the gap to eight points. NYU's run was a result of a combination of strengthened defense, demonstrated by several incredible digs, and smarter offensive choices. Choosing placement over power, the Violets repeatedly exploited the empty areas on the opposing side for kills.

Princeton rallied back, twice bringing the game within one, but NYU held onto the lead. The Tigers trailed, 29-27, and faced two game points. With a service ace from junior setter Jack Pichard and a huge kill by senior outside hitter Blake Robinson, Princeton saved both game points to tie the game at 29.

The Tigers then fought off four more Violet attempts to close out the game before finally grabbing a 35-34 lead on freshman outside hitter Peter Eichler's service ace. Pichard and sophomore middle hitter R.J. Liljestrom made the block on the next point to seal the game and the match for Princeton.

Following tough losses in their last few contests, the Tigers' strong play was a welcome improvement.

"Our energy was a lot better today," Eichler said. "We came out really hungry to win, didn't have too many mistakes and got the big points when we needed them."

Agressive from the start

Princeton was extremely aggressive from the start of the first game, jumping out to an early lead after capitalizing on numerous side-outs gained as a result of NYU's service errors and lack of communication in passing. The Tigers extended their advantage with a forceful offensive strategy, successfully closing blocks and completing kills.

The scoring push was complemented by an increase in defensive intensity, with junior libero Mark Stevens making several key saves. Stevens finished the day with seven total digs.

Trailing by as many as 14 points, the Violets made an attempt to catch Princeton, but NYU failed to dig itself out of the hole the team had created.

The Tigers faced greater pressure in the second game, as the Violets cut down on their errors and sharpened their attack. Princeton countered by raising its level of play, refusing to relinquish the lead.

Numerous Tiger players came up big offensively during the second game. Pichard's powerful serving, combined with both Eichler's and Robinson's tactical kills, contributed to Princeton's ability to maintain control of the game.

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The Tigers excelled defensively as well, as senior middle hitter Sean Vitousek and sophomore opposite Reid Joseph both contributed crucrucial blocks.

With Princeton holding a 29-23 lead, NYU took the next three points thanks to a service error and two attack errors by Princeton, but Vitousek ended the game with a kill.

For the day, Eichler led the Tigers with 16 kills, while Joseph contributed 10 points and Pichard chipped in 44 assists.

Princeton returns to action against New Jersey Tech at home on Feb. 19.