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#3 Men's Volleyball Jolts #1 Juniata for First Win Over Rival Since 2002

03/16/08

In a battle of Division III powers Sunday at the Jerome S. Coles Sports Center, #3 New York University took down top-ranked Juniata College in three games for its first victory over the Eagles since 2002.

Before a vocal and partisan crowd of 149 fans, NYU (16-6) staked its claim for the #1 spot in the upcoming CBS College Sports Network/AVCA Division III Men's Top 15 Coaches Poll with an impressive 30-20, 30-18, 30-14 sweep over Juniata (6-8).

It is the first time the Violets thwarted their rival since April 6, 2002, when they posted a four-game triumph at the Coles Sports Center.

"This is cathartic after so many years of frustration for our players, coaching staff and alumni. You heard how loud they were," NYU head coach Jose Pina said, pointing to the crowd.

Added senior libero David Tener: "I don't even know what to say, man. This is why you play the game. It's a great feeling. This is the first time since I've been at NYU that everybody came together."

NYU set the tone offensively by putting down 53 kills on 93 attempts, hitting a season-best .441. Junior Ilan Goldstein (43 assists) orchestrated a stellar offensive display, as senior middle blocker Jon Wintermeyer spiked 15 kills on 19 attempts for a .789 hitting percentage and added six blocks. For good measure, junior middle blocker Devin Zolnowski struck a game-high 16 kills and hit .545 while contributing 12 digs.

Defensively, Tener dug up 13 balls to move 44 digs away from the career record of 672 set by Thom Stone (2001-03). Goldstein contributed eight digs himself, as the Violets limited Juniata to 27 kills and a .084 hitting percentage.

Moreover, NYU received balance from freshman middle blocker Francis Hodgson and senior outside hitter Willy McFarland, who each hammered eight kills. McFarland capped the match with his final kill, setting off a celebration that was equal parts jubilation and relief.

"We've been improving throughout the year," Pina said. "We've just been playing better and better."

Juniata got a team-high seven kills from Matt Fritz, while Matt Werle led the way with 20 assists.

NYU now heads into an eight-day respite before a home match against #4 Vassar College on Monday, March 24. The Violets currently sit atop the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) Hay Division standings.

"This win gives us complete control of our destiny in the EIVA Hay and the Division III playoffs," Pina said.

Added Tener: "What a way to go into spring break."