New York, N.Y. – March 13, 2013 – Greg Falcone totaled 12 kills at a .857 clip and added six blocks to lead the Springfield College men’s volleyball team to an important four-set win over rival New York University on Wednesday evening in the Coles Center.

The Pride won by the set scores of 20-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21.

Winners of 13-straight matches, Springfield is now 19-3 on the season, and is ranked second in the nation. The eighth-ranked Violets drop to 9-6.

Entering the match with the nation’s best team hitting percentage, the Pride hit .364 on the evening. Mike Pelletier put forth a gritty effort, grinding out 10 kills on 28 errorless attempts, while adding six digs and four blocks. Luis Vega posted nine digs and eight kills, and teammate John Coen totaled eight kills and seven digs. Mike Becker ran the offense with 39 assists and four blocks, and Jimmy O’Leary matched Falcone for a team-best six blocks.

Nick Capriccio had an impressive night for NYU with 10 kills on 14 attempts for a .714 hitting percentage, while Nick Benson and Keith Waddell totaled 11 and 14 kills, respectively. Phil Bueno and Colin LaPorte each contributed six kills and Connor Mortland paced the Violets’ offense with 44 assists.

The Pride held a 12-4 edge in team blocks, while the Violets totaled nine more kills than Springfield in the match as they took 21 more swings on the evening.

The Pride will now be on Spring Break and will not return to action until it hosts Rivier on March 26 at 6:00 pm.