CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The University of Charleston men's volleyball team split a two-match series against Princeton, securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory on Friday before falling 3-1 in Saturday's rematch at the Wehrle Innovation Center.
 
The Basics:
Location: Wehrle Innovation Center
Scores: Fri. vs. Princeton (3-1, W); Sat. vs. Princeton (3-1, L)
Records: UC 6-6 (3-0 EIVA); Princeton 4-5 (0-1 EIVA)
 
How it Happened:
Friday: Charleston 3, Princeton 1
Charleston (6-6, 3-0 EIVA) came out strong on Friday night, battling past Princeton (4-5, 0-1 EIVA) in four sets (24-26, 26-24, 26-24, 25-16). After narrowly dropping the opening set, the Golden Eagles responded with three straight wins to take the match.
 
Leading the attack, Max Nissen powered Charleston with 18 kills on a .310 hitting percentage. Kai Cousins was dominant at the net, tallying 17 kills on a blistering .571 efficiency while adding two solo blocks. Joonatan Salpakarichipped in with 10 kills, two service aces, and five digs. Setter Paul Stommel orchestrated the offense with 47 assists, while the Golden Eagles' defense was anchored by Curtis Raines, who recorded a team-high nine digs.
 
Charleston controlled the final set, pulling away late to seal the win with a convincing 25-16 margin.
 
Saturday: Princeton 3, Charleston 1
On Saturday, Princeton bounced back, defeating Charleston in four sets (25-16, 24-26, 25-21, 25-19).
 
Despite the loss, Charleston saw strong individual performances. Nissen again led the Golden Eagles with 14 kills, while Cousins contributed 11 kills and six digs. Korben Phillips was efficient on the attack, registering eight kills at a .462 clip. Salpakari added seven kills and nine digs. Stommel dished out 38 assists in the effort.
 
Charleston claimed the second set in a dramatic 26-24 finish, but Princeton's offense proved too strong in the closing sets as the Tigers secured the series split.
 
Up Next:
Charleston (6-7, 3-1 EIVA) will hit the road for its next matchup, taking on LIU in a neutral-site contest at DeGol Arena in Loretto, Pa., on Friday, Feb. 28 at 4:00 p.m.