CHESTER, Pa. – In their first home match in 11 days, the Pride swept the Wilson College Phoenixes three sets to zero.

Widener is 9-6 in the regular season (0-2 against MAC opponents).

HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST WILSON
Matthew Christ and Josh Matchett were tied for a team-high seven kills each. The Pride recorded 30 kills on 72 attacks. Their hitting percentage was .208.

The Pride began the initial set with a Benjamin Heist service ace. An early 3-1 lead by the Pride turned into a 7-2 lead after four straight points. That stretch included two kills and an Ethan Cox ace. A Wilson 3-0 run was matched by the Pride, making the score 10-5 Widener. As the Pride's defense was getting stronger, they built the lead up to 16-9. Although the Phoenixes were looking to climb back from their deficit, the Pride made sure the momentum was not shifting in the other side's favor. A kill by Matchett ended the set for the Pride. Widener took the first set 25-18.

Widener began the second set with a 2-0 lead, thanks to a Wilson service error and a kill from Michael Martino. The Phoenixes, though, kept the score close through the initial rallies due to some errors by the Pride. With the score at 7-7, two Matchett kills and a service error by the Phoenixes helped Widener take a 10-7 advantage. Later in the set, the Pride's offense roared to life. Up 13-11, they used both a 5-1 run and a 7-1 run to leave their opponent searching for answers. A Wilson service error was the final point for Widener. The Pride claimed the second set 25-15. They now led two sets to zero.

A Cox kill got the Pride on the board in the final set. The Pride used that and four more consecutive points to take an early 5-1 lead. Nick Poulson's two kills were the highlights of that run. However, the Phoenixes countered with five points of their own to regain the lead. A bad set from Wilson tied the score at 6-6. Trying to avoid the sweep, Wilson went ahead by as much as 11-7 because of some strong offense. Eventually, a 4-1 Widener push made it a one-point set, 15-14 Wilson. The home team got the lead back on a Wilson attack error. A final 5-2 outburst was too much for the Phoenixes to handle, with a Cox kill ending the match. Widener took the final set 25-22. The Pride won three sets to none.

UP NEXT
The Pride head to Chambersburg, Pa. on Saturday to face Wilson once again. This time, however, the Phoenixes will be hosting. First serve is set for 6:00 p.m.