BROOKLYN -- Tenth-ranked New York University dominated visiting Nazareth in the Golden Flyers' United Volleyball Conference season opener Friday, winning in three decisive sets. Scores were 25-16, 25-20, 25-20.

The defeat was the second in a row for the 13th-ranked Golden Flyers, who dropped to 14-4 overall and 0-1 in the UVC. The Violets improved to 5-3 overall and 2-0 in conference matches. The Golden Flyers were playing without liberos Seth Terzo and Jason Proud as well as freshman middle blocker Andrew Bodensteiner, all out with injuries. In addition, starting outside hitter Antonio Sargent was unable to play because of a COVID vaccine restriction.

Owen Wickens had eight kills and five digs and Max Stuver totaled 17 assists. Josh Weaver added four kills.

After dropping the first set, Nazareth had a chance in the second set as the Golden Flyers produced a 16-12 lead. The Violets scored the next five points to take the lead and they never trailed in the set again. In the third set, the Violets raced to an early 10-5 advantage and Nazareth couldn't recover.

A pair of kills by Wickens pulled Nazareth to within 19-18 late in the set, but NYU scored the next four points to pull away.

Nazareth plays again Saturday at Bard at 10 a.m. The Golden Flyers also play Sarah Lawrence at 12 p.m.