Men’s volleyball delivered this past weekend, clinching a spot in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Championship for the fourth straight year.
The Tigers began the weekend on Friday in Dillon Gymnasium facing seventh ranked Penn State, one of the hottest teams in the country at the moment. One year ago Princeton broke its 35-match losing streak to Penn State but was not as fortunate this time around, falling 25-27, 25-19, 25-21, 25-15. The Tigers committed 12 more service errors than Penn State and had two fewer service aces, which in the end proved to be the deciding factor.
The match was tied at one game apiece heading into the third set, where Princeton grabbed an early lead playing terrific defense but gave it back after 10 serving errors and a big service run by All-American Aaron Russell. Penn State carried the momentum into the fourth set where it was able to close out the Tigers early.
Although they did not come away with the victory, Princeton showed moments of brilliance, and senior Cody Kessel once again proved himself a force to be reckoned with. Kessel, the third ranked hitter in the country, tallied 22 points, 17 kills, four service aces and seven digs, outdoing Russell, the second ranked hitter, who recorded 20 points and 14 kills.
Saturday’s match was a more joyous occasion for the Tigers, as they defeated Saint Francis University 26-24, 19-25, 23-25, 28-26, 15-12. It was a big win for the team, as it clinched their spot in the EIVA Championship, but was particularly memorable for the Princeton’s three seniors – Kessel, Tony Ensbury and Will Siroky. Saturday’s Senior Night win marks the last time the three, who have all started all four years at Princeton, will play in Dillon Gym.
Kessel had a stand out 30-kill performance, one shy of a career high, in the Tigers’ dazzling come from behind victory.
“In his final match in Dillon Gym, Cody Kessel was as impressive as ever,” remarked head coach Sam Shweisky. “If 30 kills while hitting .436 was what was needed to clinch a berth into the EIVA playoffs, then that is what Cody was going to produce. Cody has been a leader for this program since the day he stepped on campus. It was great to see his final night in Dillon Gym be such a special finale to his illustrious career. I am so proud of what he has done here the last four years both on and off the court.”
Although the Tigers have now earned a spot in the EIVA Championship, their final match against George Mason University is still crucial. A win this Friday would give the Tigers at least the third seed, which would put them on the opposite side of the draw from Penn State. But win or lose, expect big things from the Tigers in this year’s playoffs.
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