CHESTER, Pa. - Men's Volleyball falls in a heartbreaking loss against the Mustangs of Stevenson. 

The Pride fall to 12-5 on the season and 0-1 in conference play. 

BY THE NUMBERS 

• Josh Matchett had a strong performance as a setter, leading the team with 27 assists while also contributing 6 kills, 3 total blocks, and 9 points. 

• Matthew Christ was an offensive force, finishing with 10 kills on .240 hitting percentage, while also tallying 5 digs, 2 service aces, and 3 blocks, leading to 13.5 total points. 

• Michael Martino matched Christ's kill total with 10 kills and added 3 total blocks while contributing 3 digs. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• Widener started strong, keeping pace early in the set behind kills from Matthew Christ and Stephen Marquis. However, Stevenson capitalized on a mid-set surge, pulling ahead with a 6-1 run. Michael Martino and Josh Matchett managed to halt the run with key kills, but Stevenson's efficient attack (.481 hitting percentage) proved too much as they closed out the set. Stevenson took the opener, 25-18. 

•  The Pride bounced back with better defensive play, recording 2 blocks early to keep the set tight. Anioma Njokanma and Matthew Christ made big plays at the net, helping Widener take a brief lead. Stevenson responded with another key stretch, scoring five straight points to swing the momentum. Josh Matchett added a service ace to cut the deficit late, but Stevenson held on to secure the set. Stevenson claimed the second set, 25-21. 

•  Widener stormed back in a highly competitive third set, showing resilience with 6 blocks to stifle Stevenson's offense. Matthew Christ and Michael Martino led the attack, with Josh Matchett dishing out timely assists. A crucial late block by Christian Wannamaker and Anioma Njokanma sealed the set win for the Pride, extending the match. Widener fought off elimination, taking set three, 25-23. 

• The final set was another back-and-forth battle featuring 11 ties as Widener fought to force a decisive fifth frame. Stephen Marquis and Michael Martino delivered clutch kills to keep the score even, and Matthew Christ added a service ace late to give the Pride a chance. However, Stevenson managed to edge ahead in the closing moments, taking advantage of a late Widener attack error to clinch the match. Stevenson secured the win with a 25-23 victory in the fourth. 

UP NEXT 

The Pride will continue their conference matches as they will travel to Glenside, Pa for a matchup against the Knights of Arcadia. First serve is Wednesday, March 5 at 7pm.