MVB1-30-01

ESU-New Jersey Tech Men's Volleyball

EAST STROUDSBURG - The hitting of Mike Messinger and Jason Hartzel and an octopus-style defense led by Brian Harvey carried East Stroudsburg University to a 30-22, 28-30, 30-27, 30-27 men's volleyball victory over New Jersey Tech Tuesday night.

It was the home opener for the Warriors and the first match under new coach John Greenlee. They quickly showed the enthusiastic crowd that they aren't the same team which bowed to NJIT, 3-0, last year and finished 4-13.

Hartzel, who sat out last season, dominated the first game with a high-flying six of his game total of 15 kills. He was set up by Chris James, who made 65 assists in the four games, an average of 16.3 digs per game.

Defense was the difference in the third-game as Harvey (18 digs) and his mates continually kept the ball in play and ESU rallied with the final five points for the victory. In the final game, Messinger (20 kills), Dustin Wood (13 kills) and Tom Shaver (eight blocks) took charge at the net and Jarrett Merkel spiked for the last two points.

The win raised ESU's record to 2-0 while NJIT dropped to 1-3.

###