CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Widener claimed a 3–2 victory over Wilson College on the road, grinding out a win in a competitive five-set battle.
The Pride improve to 5-8 on the season.
BY THE NUMBERS
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Jason Sandberg directed the attack with 38 assists and contributed three service aces, three blocks, and nine digs in an all-around effort, while Josh Akinwale controlled the net with six blocks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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Wilson jumped out to an early advantage in the opening set, taking advantage of Widener attack errors and building momentum behind timely kills. Although the Pride stayed within striking distance behind offensive contributions from Marquis, Akinwale, and Dahl, Wilson maintained control through the middle portion of the frame. A late push from Widener trimmed the deficit, but the Phoenix responded with key points down the stretch to hold off the rally and secure the first set, 25–16.
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Widener responded in the second set with a strong start, using an early kill from Anioma Njokanma and a service ace from Sandberg to grab momentum and set the tone. The Pride and Wilson traded points through the middle of the frame, with Randall, Marquis, and Dahl delivering key kills to keep Widener within striking distance. After falling behind midway through the set, the Pride found another gear late, sparked by a service ace from Jason Dunn and a block from Marquis that shifted the energy. Widener continued to apply pressure down the stretch, capitalizing on Wilson errors and timely swings from Dahl and Marquis to close out the set, 25–22, and even the match at one set apiece.
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The third set was tightly contested early, with the teams trading points through the opening rallies as Marquis and Dahl kept the Pride within reach. After Wilson grabbed a slim mid-set edge, Widener responded behind strong serving from Akinwale whose ace helped shift momentum. Marquis delivered a key service ace during a pivotal stretch, and kills from Randall and Akinwale kept the pressure on as the Pride battled back into control. Widener stayed composed in the closing points, capitalizing on Wilson errors and timely swings to secure the 25–22 set win and take a 2–1 lead in the match.
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The fourth set was a back-and-forth battle early, with the teams trading points through multiple ties as Randall and Marquis delivered key kills to keep Widener even. Midway through the frame, Wilson used a decisive run fueled by strong net play and consecutive points off Pride attack errors to build separation. Despite blocks from Akinwale and QDahl that helped Widener stay within striking distance, Wilson maintained momentum behind timely serving and efficient swings in transition. The Pride mounted a late push to close the gap, but Wilson held steady down the stretch to claim the set, 25–22, and force a decisive fifth set.
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Widener took control early in the decisive fifth set, using strong serving and timely blocks to build momentum. Sandberg sparked the Pride with a service ace, while Akinwale made his presence felt at the net with multiple blocks and kills that helped extend the lead. Dahl and Marquis added key points in transition as Widener gradually created separation. Despite a brief Wilson response late in the set, the Pride stayed composed, closing out the tiebreaker behind a final kill to secure the 15–11 victory and clinch the five-set road win.
UP NEXT
The Pride return home on Thursday, February 19, as they take on Neumann University. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
