Men's Volleyball Sweeps Charleston for Top Spot in EIVA

This past Friday and Saturday, the men’s volleyball team traveled to Charleston, W. Va. for their first two Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) games. The Tigers (2-6, 2-0 EIVA) faced off against the University of Charleston (2-8, 0-2 EIVA) in a double-header. Princeton won both games against the Eagles in dominant fashion, sweeping their opponents 3-0 in both meetings. Their success this weekend puts the Orange and Black at the top of the EIVA table.

The Tigers chose an opportune moment to grab their first two wins of the season. Princeton defeated the Eagles for a perfect start to conference play. In addition, the Princeton squad prevented their opponents from winning a single set. Yet, in spite of the score line, the matches had their fair share of excitement.

Indeed, in the second set, Charleston seemed poised to tie the match at one set apiece. Leading 24-20, a service error returned the serve to the Tigers. Junior setter Chris Kennedy then led the way for Princeton, taking four points off the service. The Eagles managed to fend off one set ball, but the Tigers took the advantage on their second opportunity and closed the match. In the third set, a 6-0 run placed the Tigers in control of the game, securing their EIVA opener.

The Princeton squad did not rest on their laurels, however, and returned the next day equally ready to face their newest conference opponents. Princeton beat their foes handily 25-16, 25-19 and 25-18. The match showed the depth in the Princeton squad, as the Tigers used their entire roster on Saturday. Notable performances include seven kills and two blocks from sophomore middle blocker Billy Andrew. Sophomore outside hitter Kendall Ratter added five kills and two service aces to the winning effort, while fellow outside hitter senior Michael Bagnell added 13 digs to his tally.

Princeton will look to carry this momentum as they face their future opponents. This opening gives the Tigers the edge as they look to repeat past season’s successes. Last year, the Tigers made the EIVA semi-finals, where they played first ranked Penn State. The Nittany Lions beat Princeton for a spot in the finals in a memorable match.

Princeton started off the match strong, winning 13 of the first 23 points. However, the Lions held on, and a 5-1 run turned the game around at 15-14. Penn State then won the set 25-20. In the second set, Penn State took control of the game. While Princeton had a 3-2 lead early, the Lions went on a 16-8 run to take the biggest ever lead of the night at 22-14. The Tigers and Lions then traded blow for blow, ending the set 25-17. Penn State then secured the win with a strong third set performance.

The Princeton squad will continue their season this coming Friday against Brigham Young University. Unlike Charleston, the Cougars are a veteran program and should prove to be a difficult challenge for the Tigers. This match-up will be crucial for Princeton, who will look to carry its current momentum into next week, when it will play two more conference opponents.