LANCASTER, Pa. - Led by a career high 10 kills by sophomore Nate Ellis and the fourth-best hitting percentage in program history, the Stevenson men's volleyball team defeated Lancaster Bible, 25-20, 25-15, 20-12, in the season opener Thursday evening in the Horst Athletic Center.

It was also the first victory for the Mustangs (1-0) head coach Steve Grossnickle '09 who took over the program after spending the last four seasons as an assistant coach. The team also improved to 6-1 in season openers since the 2009 season.

The Chargers (0-2) jumped out to an 11-5 lead in the opening set before five-straight points by Stevenson brought the guests within one. The Mustangs would also trail 19-17 before winning eight of the final nine points.

The second set would end in similar fashion, with the Mustangs winning 11 of the final 13 points, including two service aces by senior David Moler. Moler finished the match with three service aces and 21 assists.

Stevenson would total a .765 hitting percentage in the final set, committing zero errors on 17 attempts. On the other side, Lancaster Bible totaled a -.188 hitting percentage in the final set and .033 percent for the match.

The Mustangs finished with just seven errors, their lowest since the team did it twice during the 2013 season.

Ellis, who finished with a .769 hitting percentage, also added three block assists. Meanwhile, seniors Wes Richardson and Kyle Wisner added seven kills apiece with the duo combining for four total blocks, three digs and two service aces.

The Chargers were led by Justin Stolzfus and TJ Forsythe who each totaled 20 kills.

Stevenson returns to action on Saturday, January 24 when the Mustangs host NYU and SUNY New Paltz, beginning at 11:00 a.m.