HOBOKEN, N.J. – Although the Pride put up a good fight against the #1 ranked Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks, Stevens swept the Pride three sets to zero.

The Pride are 10-9 in the regular season (0-3 versus MAC opponents).

HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST STEVENS
Ethan Cox was the kills leader for the Pride, recording nine. Widener had 27 kills on 78 total attacks. Josh Matchett had 20 assists. The team's hitting percentage was .103.

After a 3-0 push by Stevens, a Ducks' service error gave the Pride their first point of the evening. Down 5-3, Widener would see a 5-0 run to go up 8-5 early on. This stretch included back-to-back kills from Dylan Beer and a Matthew Christ service ace. With the Ducks making progress to regain the lead, Widener kept their distance. They led 12-8 after a 3-0 run. However, Stevens scored four straight times to tie the set at 12. Four consecutive kills from Stevens, including three in a row from Phillip Bone of the Ducks, were the cause. That 4-0 push would be part of a larger 11-1 run for the home team. The score was 19-13 Ducks. A 4-1 outburst later in the set got the Pride to within five points, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. A Stevens' attack error was the final point for Widener of the set. Stevens won the first set 25-20.

A kill by Cox got the Pride on the board in the second set. The Ducks continued to show why they are #1 ranked, as they then went on an 8-1 run to go up 8-2. Although the Pride were not finding big runs like their opponent, they continued to chip away at the deficit. They eventually cut Stevens' lead to four points, 13-9, off a Ducks' attack error. Down 17-10, Widener would get their next three points from service errors by the Ducks. They were not consecutive, though. The Pride got the score to within five points, but Stevens would use a 5-0 run to end the set. A kill from Cox was the final Widener point. The Ducks took the second set 25-15.

An attack error from the Ducks gave Widener their initial point of the final set. The Pride kept this set close at the beginning, not allowing the Ducks to get too far ahead. A 3-1 push had the Pride down 9-8, but a Duck's 4-0 run increased their lead to 13-8. Down 19-11, Widener had consecutive kills from Michael Martino and Nick Poulson. Two straight Cox kills were the last points Widener had for the night, however. Stevens claimed the third set 25-16. They had won in a sweep.

UP NEXT
The Pride return home for a few games after a month of playing on the road. They will face the Stevenson University Mustangs next Wednesday, March 15. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.