NYU drops the ball in Newark, loses 3-1

Despite a strong offensive effort, the NYU men's volleyball team suffered their third straight loss at the hands of New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders in four sets yesterday in Newark.

The injury-stricken Violets (1-6, 0-2 EIVA Hay) showed some life in the third set after losing the first two sets, but ultimately the Highlanders (1-7, 1-1 EIVA Hay), led by Kevin Van Oss' 18 kills, prevailed in the fourth set to take the match 3-1 (30-26, 30-23, 26-30, 30-24).

The Violets were missing freshmen outside hitters Taylor Fauntleroy and Cooper Gwaltney, but sophomore Patrick Dodd led the way on offense with 16 kills. Dodd also added eight digs and a service ace. Sophomore Ryan Limb and senior captain Michael Ferragonio added 15 kills and 10 kills, respectively.

"Tonight was a winnable match, but it just didn't go our way," head coach Jose Pina said. "It's tough when we have our two starting outside hitters out to injury. It's just hard to get the best lineup we can get out there. Our main focus right now is to get healthy and bounce back."

Senior captain Jay Hayes led the team defensively with 10 digs while Trevor Salter contributed seven.

The Violets return to action tonight, hosting EIVA Hay opponent Sacred Heart University at 7 p.m.