Last week’s headline was that George Mason usurped Penn State as the new leader in the EIVA. This week’s follows a similar story-line, but with an addition, as George Mason remained unbeaten while Penn State stumbled again, creating a two-match lead for the Patriots. While the question can be asked if it’s going to be all George Mason from here, a new team has emerged on the fray with Harvard continuing to surprise some teams.
With new story-lines emerging and a new season of sorts in league play commencing, VolleyMob will be giving conference updates. Below is analysis as well as the weekly EIVA table, awards, matches of the week and power rankings:
EIVA TABLE:
| TEAM | CONF. | OVERALL |
| #14 George Mason | 6-0 | 10-7 |
| #15 Penn State | 5-2 | 10-4 |
| Harvard | 5-2 | 5-8 |
| Charleston | 3-3 | 8-4 |
| #18 Saint Francis | 3-4 | 8-11 |
| Princeton | 3-4 | 4-11 |
| NJIT | 1-4 | 3-11 |
| Sacred Heart | 0-7 | 2-10 |
WEEKLY HONORS:
MATCHES OF THE WEEK:
- Mar. 8: #15 Penn State vs. #5 BYU
- Mar. 9: #14 George Mason at #16 CSUN
- Mar. 9: #15 Penn State at #2 Hawaii
- Mar. 10: #14 George Mason at #7 UCLA
- Mar. 10: #15 Penn State vs. #8 Lewis
VOLLEYMOB EIVA POWER RANKINGS:
- George Mason
- Penn State
- Harvard
- Charleston
- Saint Francis
- Princeton
- NJIT
- Sacred Heart
WHO WILL CHALLENGE THEM?
- #14 George Mason Patriots
The Patriots didn’t win the EIVA last year, but look ready to avenge their title that they won in 2016, as they try to make the NCAA Tournament once again. They’ve now got a two-match lead with eight to play, and even if they were to fall at home to Penn State later in the year would control their own destiny if they take care of business elsewhere. They’ve really been on a roll since some early season struggles, as now they look like a team that might not even have to worry about that and may be a candidate to go undefeated in league play.
ANOTHER HICCUP
- #15 Penn State Nittany Lions
The sweep loss at home to George Mason may have been less of an exception and more of an indication of some struggles as well as the fact that some teams in the EIVA are closer than once thought. They fell in five to Princeton, who also seems to have found some momentum. The next three won’t count toward EIVA action, but it’s an opportunity to either halt flip the switch or for things to continue as they meet up with three teams ranked in front of them.
SURPRISE!
- Harvard Crimson
Harvard began the year 1-8, and is 0-6 in the non-conference. Yet, here they are following four consecutive victories at 5-8 and 5-2 in EIVA play – good for a second place tie. Two of those wins have been sweeps too, as they’ve taken down Princeton and Charleston twice along the process. At this point, it would appear they could be here to stay, but the question becomes can they continue to stay hot and make moves as a legit contender to winning the league.
Leave a Reply