Princeton Men’s Volleyball Kicks Off 2026 Season in California

The Princeton men’s volleyball team is gearing up for an exciting start to the 2026 season with a two-match road trip to California. This week, the Tigers are set to face off against UC Irvine and USC, marking a strong beginning for the team.

Match Schedule

• Princeton vs. UC Irvine

  • Date: Wednesday, January 14
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. PST
  • Location: Los Angeles, California
  • Live Stats

• Princeton vs. USC

  • Date: Friday, January 16
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. PST
  • Location: Los Angeles, California
  • Live Stats | Stream on B1G+

Preseason Highlights

Prior to embarking on this trip, the Princeton Tigers enjoyed a successful preseason tour in Canada. The team secured two exhibition victories against TMU and McMaster, setting a positive tone for the competitive season ahead.

Last season, Princeton emerged as the 2025 EIVA regular-season champions and was recently selected to finish fourth in the EIVA preseason poll for 2026. This ranking underscores the competitive nature of the conference and the expectations surrounding the Tigers.

Key Players to Watch

Two athletes stand out as pivotal to Princeton’s success:

Mason Rice

• Position: Outside hitter
• Classification: Sophomore
• 2025 Achievements: Named Second Team All-EIVA and averaged 2.97 kills per set during his freshman season.
• Defensive Stats: Collected 63 blocks and 82 digs, showcasing his versatile skill set on the court.

Ryan Vena

• Position: Middle blocker
• Classification: Senior and team captain
• 2025 Achievements: Honored as a First Team All-EIVA member, ranked eighth in the EIVA with 79 blocks (0.92 per set).
• Offensive Stats: Recorded 129 kills with a hitting percentage of .468, demonstrating his effectiveness as an offensive player.

Coaching Leadership

The team is under the guidance of experienced Head Coach Sam Shweisky, entering his 17th season with the program. His leadership will be crucial as Princeton aims to build on its impressive achievements in the previous season.

Looking Ahead

The matches against UC Irvine and USC promise to be thrilling contests for the Tigers. Fans can look forward to seeing how Princeton’s roster, featuring standout players like Mason Rice and Ryan Vena, performs on the national stage this season. Follow the action through the provided live stats links to keep up with all the game developments.

With its competitive schedule and talented roster, Princeton men’s volleyball is poised for an exciting season ahead as they navigate through some of the top teams in collegiate volleyball.