PRINCETON, N.J. – The Princeton University men’s volleyball team embarks on a challenging road trip this week, heading to California for a pair of matchups against ranked opponents. The Tigers will first face No. 11 UC San Diego on Monday evening, followed by a contest against No. 17 CSUN on Wednesday. This trip represents a key test for Princeton as they navigate a competitive season and aim to build on recent momentum.
Coming off a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Dominican University last Saturday at Dillon Gymnasium, the Tigers are looking to carry that energy westward. The win was highlighted by career performances from Owen Mellon, who recorded 25 kills, and Andrew Werner, who added 18. Mellon’s performance marked his second career-high kill total of the season, having previously achieved 20 against No. 5 USC in January. He currently ranks third in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) with an average of 3.60 kills per set.
Princeton’s success isn’t solely reliant on offensive firepower. Nolan Kelly has proven to be a crucial all-around player, currently ranking third in the EIVA in digs (2.11 per set) and fifth in assists (7.80 per set). On the defensive front, Tristan Whitfield leads the team with an average of 1.00 blocks per set, placing him fourth in the EIVA. The Tigers were predicted to finish fourth in the EIVA preseason poll, with Mason Rice and Ryan Vena recognized as players to watch.
Tigers Prepare for Tough Tests Against UCSD and CSUN
The first challenge comes against UC San Diego (10-6), who recently fell in a close 3-2 match to No. 12 UC Santa Barbara. UCSD boasts a strong offensive presence led by Sebastiano Sani, who averages 3.52 kills per set. Ben Warren anchors their defense, averaging 1.33 blocks per set. Historically, Princeton has struggled against the Tritons, holding a 4-15 all-time record against them, according to available data. The match is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PST / 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday and will be broadcast on ESPN+, with live stats available here.
Following the matchup with UCSD, Princeton will travel to San Diego to face CSUN (10-5) on Wednesday. The Matadors were recently swept 3-0 by UCSD on March 3rd. Jalen Phillips leads CSUN’s attack with 3.83 kills per set, while Joao Favarim contributes 0.81 blocks per set. The Tigers have a 3-4 record in their series against CSUN. The Wednesday contest is also slated for a 7:00 p.m. PST / 10:00 p.m. EST start, with live coverage on ESPN+ and live stats available here.
Looking Ahead for Princeton Volleyball
Head Coach Sam Shweisky, in his 17th year leading the Princeton program, and assistant coach Joe Norton, in his third, have prepared the team for the challenges ahead. Last season, the Tigers achieved a successful regular season, winning the EIVA championship before falling to Penn State in the tournament finals. This year’s California trip offers an opportunity to test their progress against nationally ranked competition.
The outcomes of these matches will undoubtedly shape Princeton’s standing within the EIVA and their potential for postseason success. Fans can follow the team’s progress and stay updated on results throughout the week.
What are your predictions for the Tigers’ performance against these two challenging opponents? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
