CHESTER, Pa. - Widener dominates in their home tri-match, losing only one set in two games with a 3-1 win over Hunter and a 3-0 win over St Elizabeth. 

The Pride improve to 10-4 on the season and remain 0-0 in conference play. 

BY THE NUMBERS: GAME ONE 

• Matthew Christ had a standout performance, leading the team with 10 service aces while also contributing 6 kills and 7 digs. 

• Michael Martino was an offensive force, recording 10 kills on a .300 hitting percentage and adding 2 blocks. 

• Josh Matchett ran the offense efficiently, dishing out 27 assists and tallying 5 kills. 

• Benjamin Heist anchored the back row with a match-high 13 digs. 

BY THE NUMBERS: GAME TWO 

• Stephen Marquis led the attack with 8 kills on a .286 hitting percentage. 

• Anioma Njokanma was incredibly efficient, recording 5 kills on 7 attempts (.714 hitting percentage) while also adding 2 blocks. 

• Christian Wannamaker contributed across the board with 4 kills, 4 service aces, and 1 dig. 

• Jason Sandberg set up the offense with 26 assists while also contributing 3 kills and 3 service aces. 

• Izaiah Rivera made an impact with 5 kills and 3 service aces. 

HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST HUNTER 

• Widener started slow as Hunter took control early, capitalizing on errors to build a lead. The Pride struggled offensively, hitting negative in the first set, while Hunter found success at the net. Despite a late push from Michael Martino and Matthew Christ, Widener couldn't close the gap, dropping the set 25-20. 

• The Pride responded in a big way, with Josh Matchett running a more balanced offense. Martino and Christ found their rhythm, while Stephen Marquis provided key blocks to slow down Hunter's attack. A dominant serving stretch from Christ, including four consecutive aces, fueled a crucial run that put Widener in control. The Pride held off a late Hunter rally to even the match with a 25-23 set win. 

• Widener carried its momentum into the third set, with Martino and Marquis leading the attack. The Pride's defense tightened up, with Benjamin Heist anchoring the back row with several key digs. A late 5-1 run, capped by a Marquis service ace, sealed the set 25-22 in Widener's favor. 

• Widener took complete control, jumping out to an early lead behind Christ's aggressive serving and Matchett's precise setting. The Pride's offense was unstoppable, hitting .471 in the final frame. Marquis and Martino delivered big kills down the stretch, and Heist provided clutch digs to keep rallies alive. Widener dominated the closing moments, pulling away for a 25-15 win to clinch the match. 

 HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST ST ELIZABETH 

• Widener came out strong, setting the tone early with an efficient attack. Anioma Njokanma and Stephen Marquis were dominant at the net, helping the Pride control play. Jason Sandberg kept the offense flowing with crisp sets, and Christian Wannamaker sparked a key run with back-to-back aces. Widener comfortably took the opening set 25-15.  

• The second set started more competitively, but a huge serving run from Izaiah Rivera, featuring three straight aces, helped Widener pull ahead. Njokanma and Michael Martino combined for a crucial block to stop a Saint Elizabeth push, and Sandberg continued to distribute the ball well. The Pride closed on a 6-1 run, sealing a 25-15 victory.  

• Saint Elizabeth put up its strongest fight in the final set, keeping pace early. However, Marquis and Rivera fueled a mid-set surge, with Martino delivering a key service ace to swing momentum. Sandberg and Patel each provided timely kills as Widener pulled away late. Wannamaker's kill on match point wrapped up a dominant 25-21 win, securing the sweep. 

UP NEXT 

The Pride will enjoy a bit of an extended break before they return to the Den to face the Cougars of Kean University. First serve is set for Thursday, Feb 20 at 7pm.