Princeton vs. Sacred Heart: Weekend Showdown of EIVA Rivals
Fairfield, CT — The excitement is palpable as the No. 19 Princeton men’s volleyball team gears up to clash with the Sacred Heart Pioneers, reigniting their rivalry in the EIVA this weekend. Mark your calendars for a thrilling series of matches at the Pioneers’ home turf. The teams will face off on Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m. and again on Saturday, March 29 at 4 p.m., with the matches available for live viewing via Live Stats and ESPN+.
Overview of the Tigers
As Princeton steps into this weekend, they’re riding high on a recent victory over Daemen, overcoming them 3-1 with set scores of 25-18, 25-18, 19-25, 25-22. The standout player that match was Nyherowo Omene, who dominated with a hitting percentage of .556, notching 18 kills and five aces for a total of 23.5 points. This impressive performance earned him the EIVA Offensive Player of the Week award for the third time this season, cementing his status as a pivotal player.
Omene’s Stellar Season
- Omene currently leads the EIVA with an average of 4.22 kills per set, proving to be a formidable opponent for rival defenses.
- He ranks second in the EIVA with 0.42 aces per set, contributing to an impressive career total that lands him among the top in the nation (eighth overall).
- Beyond his offensive prowess, Omene is in the top ten across several statistical categories, including blocks (0.75/s) and hitting percentage (.356).
Team Dynamics
- Supporting him, Henry Wedbush facilitated the offense with 31 assists against Daemen, along with seven digs and four blocks. With 489 assists this season, Wedbush stands as a crucial playmaker, ranking third in the EIVA with 8.89 assists per set.
- Tristan Whitfield also shines, having accumulated 45 blocks this season, putting him fourth in the league rankings.
Princeton’s current standing is impressive, with the team tied for first in the EIVA with a conference record of 3-1. Their recent recognition includes a No. 19 rank in the latest AVCA poll, showcasing their growing success.
Meet the Pioneers of Sacred Heart
On the flip side, Sacred Heart enters the weekend with a record of 6-11 overall and struggling in the EIVA at 0-6. However, they’re eager to turn their fate around against a tough opponent.
- Leading the charge for Sacred Heart is Aleksa Mandic, who has notched 176 kills this season, averaging 3.14 kills per set.
- Austin Buchanan has stepped up as the defensive anchor, distributing 6.42 assists per set for a total of 289 assists.
Key Defensive Players
- For defense, Harryzen Soares finds himself at the forefront with an average of 1.75 digs per set. Additionally, Ken Naples has showcased his blocking ability with 45 total blocks this season, a vital aspect of the Pioneers’ strategy.
Historically, Princeton holds the advantage in their encounters, boasting a 19-5 all-time record against Sacred Heart, though their last meeting saw the Pioneers securing an unexpected victory. The stakes are high this weekend as both teams aim for supremacy in the EIVA.
Final Thoughts
This matchup promises to be a highlight in the EIVA calendar, with Princeton looking to maintain their upward trajectory while Sacred Heart seeks a crucial win to regain momentum. Don’t miss these matches as they unfold this weekend — they could be pivotal in shaping the playoff picture. For real-time updates and statistics, make sure to follow the action through Live Stats and catch all the excitement on ESPN+.
Stay tuned for thrilling volleyball action!
