Last night, Eichler added another chapter to his legacy, guiding a dominant performance in leading the Tigers (11-8 overall, 6-5 EIVA Tait) to a 30-17, 30-20, 30-18 win over East Stroudsburg (2-16, 0-12) on Senior Night in Dillon Gym. Eichler finished the game with 17 kills and four aces, showcasing his vast array of volleyball skills throughout the game.
“Eichler’s been a starter for us for four years,” head coach Glenn Nelson said. “He’s a great player and one of my favorite guys in all the years I’ve been coaching.”
Though Eichler clearly starred in his final regular-season game at Dillon Gym, the entire Princeton team put forth a great effort in one of its most impressive performances of the season.
The Tigers came out on fire, storming to a 10-4 lead behind the serving of Eichler and sophomore outside hitter Carl Hamming. Princeton’s superior technical ability gave it an advantage that East Stroudsburg could do little to counter. Though teams are often goaded into playing down to their opponent’s level, the Tigers would not be denied on Senior Night.
Princeton continued to build its lead, increasing its margin to 25-15 behind the great frontcourt play of junior outside hitter Phil Rosenberg. Seldom-used senior outside hitter Aaron Linsky received some of his first playing time of the year, coming up with a few big serves for Princeton.
“[Aaron] is a great guy, and he’s been a huge personality and always keeps the team loose,” Eichler said. “It was nice to see him get some action in this game.”
With the Tigers in control of the game 28-17, Rosenberg made the play of the first game, laying out for a dig that led to an Eichler spike. A kill from sophomore middle blocker Jeff McCown put the game away for Princeton, 30-17.
Princeton continued its dominance in the second game, opening up an 11-7 lead and never giving East Stroudsburg a chance to shift the momentum after its first-game loss. Eichler continued to control the game in the frontcourt, overpowering the Warriors with a series of thundering kills. At one point, an Eichler kill hit one of the East Stroudsburg players in the stomach, knocking the wind out of the player and forcing him to temporarily leave the game.
Linsky also provided some fireworks of his own, coming up with an impressive block to give Princeton a 22-17 lead. From here, the Tigers rolled to a 30-20 win with Hamming serving out the final six points. Hamming also came up with a diving dig of his own late in the game, using all of his six-foot, seven-inch frame to bump the ball over the outstretched arms of the East Stroudsburg players.
In the third game, Princeton gave its fans a taste of things to come, subbing freshman middle blocker Keenan McCarthy into the game. McCarthy did not disappoint, coming up with a kill on his first point in the game. The Warriors responded with some of their best volleyball of the match, keeping the game close in the early stages. With the score tied at 11, Eichler came through with another stretch of solid serving, pushing the Tigers out to a 15-11 lead from which they would not look back.
With the Tigers up 27-16, Linsky entered the game for one final time to the fans’ delight and proceeded to win the next two points on his serve. Eichler, the other half of Princeton’s senior duo, fittingly ended the match three points later with his 17th kill of the match, giving the Tigers a 30-18 victory.
After running through a momentary rough patch following a one-month layoff in the middle of the season, Princeton appears to have rediscovered the form it displayed during its six-game win streak earlier in the year.
“We were a little rusty and weren’t quite at match level last week,” Eichler said. “We still have some things we need to work on, but I think we’re there now.”
The Tigers certainly looked the part last night, building momentum in preparation for the EIVA tournament.
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.