Owings Mills, Md. - After evening the match with a strong response, Widener could not overcome late runs by Stevenson, falling in four sets on the road.
The Pride drop to 6-12 on the season and start conference play 0-1
BY THE NUMBERS
HOW IT HAPPENED
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The Pride struck first, but Stevenson responded. Widener kept pace behind kills from Wannamaker and Anioma Njokanma to stay within reach at 4–4. The Pride continued to battle through the middle of the frame, using swings from Akinwale and Njokanma, along with steady setting from Sandberg, to keep the score tight. After narrowing the gap to 12-9, Widener stayed within striking distance as Randall and Wannamaker found the floor again, trimming the deficit to 13–20. Stevenson, however, used a key run midway through the set to create separation. The Pride fought off several set points and continued to pressure late, but the Mustangs closed out the opener, 25–14, to take a 1–0 lead in the match.
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Widener showed resilience in the second set, battling through an early deficit behind kills from Randall and Quinby Dahl to stay even at 4–4. The Pride continued to trade points through the middle of the frame, with Njokanma and Dahl contributing at the net while Sandberg kept the offense flowing. Up 12–9, Widener tried to remain on top, using a key block and back-to-back kills from Randall and Wannamaker to close the gap. After Stevenson tried to work a comeback, the Pride mounted a decisive run, capitalizing on Mustang errors and adding timely swings from Wannamaker to storm back and claim the 25–21 set victory, evening the match at one set apiece.
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Widener battled early in the third set, keeping pace with Stevenson through strong swings from Wannamaker and Randall. The Pride traded points back and forth, but despite their efforts, Stevenson gradually pulled ahead thanks to timely kills, forcing errors, and taking advantage of miscommunications at the net. The Pride stayed competitive throughout, but Stevenson closed out the set 25–19, regaining control and taking a 2–1 lead in the match.
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Widener kept the fourth set competitive from the start, with strong kills from Wannamaker, Akinwale, and Stephen Marquis, and a key service ace from Jason Sandberg. Njokanma also added a service ace. Despite their efforts to keep the score close, Stevenson steadily pulled ahead behind timely kills, forcing errors and controlling the net. Widener stayed in striking distance throughout, but Stevenson closed the set 25–18 to secure the match victory.
UP NEXT
The Pride remains on the road as they play Messiah University in Grantham, Pa., on Saturday, March 7. Game time is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
