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NYU Falls in Five to Grand Caynon
Despite having four players with double-digit kills, the
New York University men's volleyball team fell in five sets to
Grand Canyon University in the teams' first-ever meeting, Tuesday,
March 1, at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.
The Violets (9-6), currently ranked #5 in the AVCA Division III
Top 15 Coaches Poll, dropped the 3-2 (19-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21,
15-11) to the Antelopes (8-13), despite holding a 61-58 kill
advantage and a 10-6 blocking advantage.
"It was a hard-fought competitive match by both sides," said head
coach Jose
Pina. "We didn't hit for as high a percentage as we
could have and that cost us the match."
Leading the offense for NYU in the loss was Taylor
Fauntleroy, who put down 18 kills while also adding three
digs and three blocks including two solos.
Continuing his strong play in the middle, Nick
Capriccio added 16 kills and hit a team-best .419,
while also putting back four blocks.
Pat
Dodd put together his first double-double of the 2011
campaign with 10 kills along with a team-high 11 digs.
George
Koch also put together a career night, notching a
career-best 11 kills while also adding six digs.
On defense, setter Connor
Mortland was also in double digits, putting up 10 digs
while also adding 52 assists for his second consecutive
double-double of 2011.
For the Antelopes, Jordon Tarantino led all players with 25 kills
while Trent Bruns added a match-high 21 kills.
"Grand Canyon played great defense," added Pina. "That
had a lot to do with putting our hitters under pressure, especially
their libero. They had an excellent defensive match."
The Violets return to action on Monday night when
they host Baruch College at the Coles Sports
Center. It will be the third matchup between the two teams
this season with NYU taking the first two. First serve is set
for 7:00 pm.
