Princeton edges out win against Juniata

The last two times the men's volleyball team played at Dillon, they were beaten by three games to two. Down 11-9 in the fifth game, it looked like Juniata College would extend Princeton's losing streak to four.

The Tigers (4-10 overall, 3-6 Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Tait Division), however, were having none of it. Determined to usher in spring break on a positive note, the team fought back to even the score, courtesy of a kill by senior outside hitter Jack Pichard and an error by Juniata's Nate Ocasio.

Princeton pulled ahead to earn its first match ball up 15-14, but the Eagles (6-9 overall, 2-6 conference) snapped up the next two points to gain a match ball of their own and a chance to avenge their earlier loss to the Tigers.

That chance was closed off with a winner from senior outside hitter Ryn Burns to tie the score. Princeton then pulled ahead, 18-17, and did not waste the opportunity to close out a tight match when the Eagles were called for a violation on an apparent block. The final score was 30-24, 25-30, 30-25, 23-30, 19-17.

The result was very similar to the last time the teams met in February at Juniata. Then, the Eagles also pushed the Tigers to five games, but the result was more decisive, with Princeton winning the final game 15-11.

"We went in a little cocky, as we had beaten them before," said freshman middle blocker Mike Vincent, adding that "this was definitely a lot closer."

Indeed, Juniata managed a higher hitting average than the Tigers, .298 to .282, but held 12 fewer opportunities. The Eagles also outdid the home team in both assists, recording 70 on 146 attempts to Princeton's 66 on 147, and in blocks, totaling 12 team blocks to eight.

Wary of Vincent, who managed eight blocks against Juniata in February, the Eagles clamped down on him, limiting him to five. This allowed the outsides and opposites to step up, and the Tigers were once again led in kills by Prichard with 20, one of four Tigers to record double-digit kills.

Juniata's Jeremy Brandt led all players in kills, knocking 22, with four other players in double digits. Nate Ocasio led all players with nine blocks.

With this win, Princeton completed a season sweep of the Eagles, which may come into consideration in the postseason if both teams finish the season with the same record.

Knowing that they can win at home will also give the Tigers no small amount of confidence as they return to Dillon to face the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Friday and Penn State on Saturday.