WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - Widener Men's Volleyball returns to .500 with a sweep over the Colonels of Wilkes. 

The Pride improve to 2-2 on the season and remain 0-0 in conference play. 
 

BY THE NUMBERS 

• Matthew Christ led Widener's offense with a match-high 10 kills, hitting at a .350 efficiency. He also contributed three service aces, two digs, and one block assist to Widener's dominant performance. 

• Michael Martino was highly efficient, recording 8 kills on 15 attempts with just one error, hitting at an impressive .467 clip. He also added three digs to the defensive effort. 

• Stephen Marquis was a key contributor on both ends, tallying 7 kills on 11 attempts with a stellar .545 hitting percentage. He also served up two aces and was strong at the net with two blocks (one solo, one assist). 

• Josh Matchett orchestrated Widener's attack with a match-high 22 assists, adding 4 kills, 2 service aces, and 2 total blocks to his well-rounded performance. 

• Kevin Stubbs anchored the back row defense with a team-high 9 digs, keeping Wilkes' attacks in check. 

• Anioma Njokanma was a force at the net, finishing with a match-best .800 hitting percentage and leading Widener with 3 total blocks. 

• Jason Sandberg provided a strong all-around effort with 5 assists, 2 service aces, and a dig, contributing valuable depth to the team. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• In Set 1, Widener came out firing, jumping to an early 6-0 lead with kills from Michael Martino, Matthew Christ, and Stephen Marquis. Josh Matchett was instrumental in setting up the attack, distributing the ball well to keep the offense unpredictable. A service ace from Marquis pushed the lead to 10-3, forcing Wilkes into an early timeout. The Pride continued to roll, with Anioma Njokanma and Martino contributing key blocks and kills to widen the gap. Widener hit .500 in the set, recording 13 kills while holding Wilkes to just 3 kills and a negative hitting percentage. A final kill from Christ sealed the set convincingly at 25-11. 

• Set 2 was much more competitive, featuring five ties and three lead changes as Wilkes fought back. After a back-and-forth start, Widener used a three-point run led by Christ and Martino to take a 10-7 lead. Wilkes managed to stay within striking distance, but big swings from Marquis and Christ, coupled with a key block by Njokanma, extended the lead to 20-15. Wilkes made a late push, closing the gap to 23-22, but a clutch kill by Matchett, followed by an attack error from Wilkes, secured the set for Widener at 25-22. 

• The Pride took full control in Set 3, though Wilkes kept it close early. A strong start from Widener, featuring a Martino kill and an ace from Jason Sandberg, helped them build an 11-7 advantage. As the set progressed, Christ and Marquis took over, delivering key kills to stretch the lead to 18-12. Njokanma dominated at the net, registering another block assist to stall Wilkes' comeback attempt. A final kill by Marquis, assisted by Sandberg, sealed the 25-19 victory, completing the sweep. 

UP NEXT 

The Pride will look to extend their win streak as they return to the Den for their season home-opener against the 0-1 Bison of Gallaudet University. First serve is Thursday, January 30 at 7:30pm.