BYU sweeps both matches at home vs. no. 14 Princeton

The Cougars improved to 7-1 on the season after two matches against Princeton. BYU now owns a perfect 5-0 record all-time vs. Princeton.

Before the match, the Cougars moved up a spot in the rankings to number eight. Trent Moser was also named the MPSF Offensive Player of the Week.

Match 1: BYU vs. Princeton (3-0)

No. 8 BYU men’s volleyball showcased their dominance against No. 14 Princeton, clinching a convincing 3-0 sweep at the Smith Fieldhouse. The Cougars were without starting senior Kupono Browne due to illness.

Outside hitter Trent Moser led the way for the Cougars, clinching their 17th consecutive home victory and securing the second-longest streak in the rally scoring era in BYU men’s volleyball history.

Moser recorded an impressive 12 kills on a .333 clip, leading the team to a solid .328 hitting percentage for the match. Setter Tyler Herget led the offense, tallying 27 assists along with eight digs, three blocks, and a kill. Defensive specialist Jon Stanley made a significant impact with a season-high three kills and two blocks. Stanley’s presence changed the match for BYU.

The first set saw Princeton taking an early lead, but BYU rallied back, eventually clinching a 25-23 win. The second set was won by the Cougars 25-19. The third set saw Moser delivering his 12th kill of the match, sealing a 25-21.

BYU’s defensive authority was evident as Gavin Julien led the team with four block assists and a solo block. The Cougars held Princeton to a season-low hitting percentage of .152. Outside hitter Luke Benson tallied eight kills.

Match 2: BYU vs. Princeton (3-0)

Playing their fourth match in five days, fatigue became a question for the Cougars. However, the momentum from the first match carried into the second as No. 8 BYU men’s volleyball secured another emphatic 3-0 victory over No. 14 Princeton, completing a back-to-back sweep at the Smith Fieldhouse.

Head coach Shawn Olmstead commended his players for their exceptional performance, particularly in the face of a demanding schedule, playing four matches in five days. “I’m proud of our players for taking on the task of playing four matches in five days. They really found a way to win tonight,” Olmstead said.

Luke Benson led the team with 13 kills on an outstanding .650 clip.

Senior Jon Stanley, making his second career start, recorded a season-high four put-aways, including a key kill to claim the first set.

“Jon stepped in for us tonight, and he had zero doubt about what he needed to do as a starter. He helps us out everywhere,” Olmstead said about Stanley’s performance.

Libero Jackson Fife had a standout performance in his first career start, posting a career-high seven digs.

Trent Moser continued his match one dominance, recording 11 kills and six digs.

The Cougars outperformed the Tigers with a .370 hitting percentage.

Like the first match, the first set was closely contested, with BYU eventually clinching a 25-22 win. The momentum carried into the second set, where the Cougars dominated with a 25-18 victory. In the third set, Princeton would go on a 5-1 run to take the lead 21-20, but BYU held firm to secure a 25-23 win and complete the sweep.

The Cougars will use two days off to rest before they host No. 7 UC Irvine for a two-match set on Jan. 26-27. They look to keep their undefeated home record intact.