Men’s Volleyball Upsets #6 NYU in 2019 Opener

Men’s Volleyball Upsets #6 NYU in 2019 Opener

Patchogue, NY| The St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's volleyball team knocked off #6 New York University, 3-2, in its opening contest of the 2019 season inside the Danzi Center on Tuesday evening.

The win ensures the defending Skyline Conference champions begin their season with a 1-0 record. The Violets, preseason ranked sixth in the nation among NCAA Division III programs, drop to 0-1.

Junior Paul Curaro led a balanced SJC attack with 17 kills on 41 total attacks. The outside hitter was also credited with a game-high three service aces and six digs.

Junior Kyle Biggers hit a game-high 66.7% and put down nine kills, while junior Will Flohr contributed 10 kills and six digs.

Senior Tyler Jones dished out 37 assists and collected a team-best 10 digs. Senior Danny McNamara was credited with eight digs.

The Violets' offense was powered by Alex Li and Evan Lindley, who each put down 13 kills apiece. Martin Bikdeli's 46 assists were a game-best.

SJC shocked the guests with a 25-20 victory in the first set but failed to go up two sets to none when NYU responded with a 25-19 win the second.

The hosts put the Violets on the ropes with a 25-17 win in the third set but were forced into playing a fifth, winner-take-all set following a 25-21 defeat in the fourth.

SJC jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the fifth and fought off a resilient NYU side that brought the game back to within one point (10-9). But, following a timeout, SJC scored five of the match's final six points and earned an impressive 3-2 match victory over a national powerhouse.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday, January 19 when they visit Sacred Heart University for a non-conference contest at 1:00 pm.