Unfriendly environment proves to be too much

In hostile territory Friday night, the men’s volleyball team could not repeat against the second-place Patriots (18-7, 8-3), suffering a 3-0 loss. At the end of the day, the Tigers could console themselves with the knowledge that they had secured fourth place in the EIVA Tait Division and, as a consequence, a first-round bye in the playoffs.

It was a brutally close first game that determined the outcome of the match. After 23 ties and 10 lead changes, Princeton fell to George Mason, 34-32. The loss was especially painful because the Tigers twice had opportunities to end the game. Facing a 29-27 deficit, the Patriots twice tied the game on kills by outside hitters Kyle Gramit and Hudson Bates.

Facing a George Mason rally, Princeton fought doggedly but ultimately fell when Patriot middle blocker Brandon McLaughlin gave his team a 33-32 edge. Senior outside hitter and captain Peter Eichler had a chance to tie the game, but his attack went just wide to give George Mason the win.

The Patriots’ defense was particularly effective throughout the night. Led by middle blocker R.J. Goubeaux’ two solo blocks and nine block assists, George Mason dominated the Tigers at the net with 13.5 team blocks. In contrast, Princeton as a team accumulated only two team blocks.

The exhausting first match gave the Patriots confidence, and they only ramped up their attack from that point. The second and third games both went to George Mason, 30-26. Gramit and Bates continued to set the tone for the Patriots’ offense, racking up 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Outside hitter Mark Burik was also crucial to George Mason’s victory, notching three aces against the Tigers.

Eichler, playing in his final regular-season game with the Orange and Black, recorded 12 kills along with one assist and two digs. But the star of the night for Princeton was junior outside hitter Mike Vincent, who had 13 kills with no errors and led the Tigers in points scored. Junior setter Brandon Denham also put together a good game, flashing his versatility by leading the team with 40 assists, seven digs and two aces.

Princeton now has to play the waiting game. The regular season is over, but the playoffs are just starting. The Tigers will host a quarterfinal game against either eighth-seeded NYU or fifth-seeded Juniata next Saturday at Dillon Gym. Princeton’s April 4 win over Juniata was crucial, as it allowed the team to clinch the fourth seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye.

Unfortunately for Princeton, the Tigers didn’t come through against George Mason, which would have given them the second seed in the tournament and a bye until the semifinals. Even with the setback, this season has been a strong one for Princeton, and the Tigers should advance to the semifinal round.

If they advance to the semifinals, the Tigers will face off again against George Mason. The Patriots, a traditional division rival of Princeton, are always a tough game, as evidenced by Friday’s loss. The match, however, will be held on neutral territory at Penn State, so Princeton may have a better chance in this attempt.

Whatever the outcome, the volleyball team has made great strides this year and continues to improve.