HOBOKEN, N.J. - Widener men's volleyball takes a loss on the road at the hands of the national #6 Ducks of Stevens. 

The Pride fall to 12-8 and 0-3 in conference play. 
 

BY THE NUMBERS 

• Michael Martino led the offensive effort with a team-high 11 kills, contributing 3 blocks and 2 digs as well. 

• Matthew Christ delivered an efficient performance with 8 kills on a .444 hitting percentage, along with 5 digs, 2 blocks, and 1 service ace. 

• Josh Matchett played a pivotal role as the setter, dishing out 28 assists and adding 2 blocks. 

• Josh Akinwale was a force at the net with 7 total blocks (2 solo, 5 assisted), helping Widener defensively. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• Widener got off to a slow start as Stevens jumped ahead early, capitalizing on several service aces. Despite efforts from Matthew Christ and Michael Martino, who each put down key kills, Widener struggled to gain momentum. A service ace from Christ briefly cut the deficit, but Stevens responded with a strong push to extend their lead. Widener fought back with a block from Josh Akinwale and Christian Wannamaker, but Stevens maintained control, closing out the set 25-16. 

•  Widener came out with more energy in the second set, keeping pace with Stevens in the early stages. Michael Martino and Matthew Christ both notched multiple kills, while setter Josh Matchett kept the offense moving with crisp assists. The Pride took advantage of Stevens' errors, staying within striking distance at the midpoint of the set. A kill from Stephen Marquis and a crucial block by Akinwale tied the score at multiple points. However, Stevens managed to pull away in the final moments with a late service run, taking the set 25-21. 

• Looking to extend the match, Widener kept things close early behind the efforts of Martino and Akinwale, who combined for key kills and blocks. Jarrett Edwards contributed defensively with several digs to keep rallies alive. The Pride stayed within two points for much of the set, but Stevens once again used a mid-set surge to pull ahead. A late kill from Martino gave Widener hope, but Stevens closed out the match with a final kill to secure the 25-18 victory. 

UP NEXT 

The Pride will face yet another nationally ranked opponent on the road, as they take on the 17-9 (3-1 MAC) #16 Cougars of Misericordia. First serve is Wednesday, March 19th at 7pm.