ST. DAVID'S, Pa. - Widener drops opening match to Eastern before bouncing back with a strong three-set sweep over John Jay to close out tri-match.
The Pride improves to 8-17 on the season and 1-5 in conference play.
BY THE NUMBERS - EASTERN
HOW IT HAPPENED – EASTERN
-
Widener and Eastern traded points early, with Wannamaker delivering both a kill and a service ace to keep the match tied at 2–2. Eastern then went on a brief run, but Widener countered with a kill from Marquis and a combined block from Akinwale and Matthew Randall, narrowing the gap to 8–6. Later, another kill from Marquis and a service ace from Wannamaker brought Widener within striking distance at 15–11. The Pride continued to fight back, cutting the deficit to 16–14 and again to 20–18. Late kills from Wannamaker and an Eastern error brought Widener as close as 22–21, but Eastern ultimately pulled away to take the set, 25–21.
-
In the second set, Widener struck first on a kill from Anioma Njokanma, and a subsequent kill from Marquis evened the score at 2–2. Eastern then went on brief runs, taking leads of 5–3 and 10–5. Widener responded with kills from Wannamaker and Randall, along with a service ace from Sandberg, closing the gap to 12–11. However, a long run from Eastern midway through the set pushed their lead to 22–14. Widener continued to fight back with kills from Randall and Wannamaker, but could not overcome the deficit, ultimately falling 25–19.
-
The third set got off to an even start at 2–2, with a kill from Wannamaker and an Eastern error. Eastern went on a brief run to take a 6–3 lead, but Widener quickly responded with a kill from Marquis to narrow it to 6–5. The Pride then mounted their own run, taking a 10–9 advantage before Eastern regained control at 15–12. Widener fought back with key kills from Wannamaker, Kevin Stubbs, and Marquis, closing the gap to 19–18. Late kills from Wannamaker and Marquis tied the set at 22–22, but Eastern ultimately closed out the set and the match, 25–22.
BY THE NUMBERS – JOHN JAY
HOW IT HAPPENED – JOHN JAY
-
Widener jumped out to a fast start behind back-to-back kills from Kevin Stubbs, helping the Pride take an early 3–0 lead. The momentum continued as Stubbs added a service ace and Dahl contributed offensively to extend the advantage to 6–1. Widener maintained control through the middle of the set, building a 14–9 lead with steady play from Stubbs, Dahl, and Akinwale. John Jay attempted to close the gap late, but the Pride stayed composed, with key kills from Marquis and Stubbs keeping them ahead. Widener held off the late push and secured the set 25–20.
-
Set two was a back-and-forth battle early, with Widener and John Jay trading points through the first several rallies. Widener stayed patient, using key kills from Dahl and Marquis to hold a slim lead. Anioma Njokanma added a timely service ace, and Dahl helped with consistent attacks to stretch the advantage to 16–13. John Jay battled back, scoring a few points and keeping the margin tight at 19–18, but Widener responded with crucial kills from Marquis and two blocks. John Jay made multiple attack errors late in the set, allowing Widener to close it out at 25–22 and take a 2–0 lead in the match.
-
Set three was another tightly contested battle, with both teams trading points early. Widener jumped to a small lead thanks to kills from Dahl, Marquis, and Akinwale. As the middle of the set approached, Widener maintained a narrow edge, aided by service aces from Marquis and kills from Njokanma and Marquis. John Jay stayed in striking distance, forcing several extended rallies, but crucial attack errors late in the set by John Jay gave Widener the opening. With the score at 23–22, Widener capitalized on another unforced error and closed out the set at 25–23, completing a three-set sweep and taking the match.
UP NEXT
The Pride return home for Senior Day on Wednesday, March 25, as they take on King's College. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
