Box Score
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The 19th-ranked Stevenson University women's volleyball team posted its 17th straight victory Thursday night, downing Franklin & Marshall 3-0 in non-conference action at Owings Mills Gymnasium. Set scores were 25-16, 25-21, 25-15.
With the win, Stevenson (29-1) continues to hold on to the third-longest winning streak in Division III, trailing only Johnson & Wales (R.I.) (27) and Wittenberg (19). The Mustangs also won their 21st straight match at Owings Mills Gymnasium, tying Wittenberg for the third longest home win streak in Division III.
The first set was all Stevenson, as the hosts never trailed and opened up an 11-3 lead early. Franklin & Marshall (16-10) made a late run to pull within 20-15, but the Mustangs had five of the final six points, and a kill by senior Lauren Weaver closed out the set. Sophomore Katie Leftridge had four kills in the set.
Franklin & Marshall held a 12-10 lead in the second set, but a 4-1 Mustang spurt capped by a service ace by senior Annika Schwartz put the hosts on top 14-13. The Diplomats recorded the next point for the set's sixth tie before Stevenson had the next three points to go up 17-14 on a kill by junior Moriah Savage. F&M cut the lead to two three times, the latest at 21-19, and a Leftridge kill closed things out.
Stevenson put the third set away by scoring six straight points to grow a 10-7 lead to 16-7. Weaver had two kills in the run, while Schwartz and sophomore Victoria Prokic each had a kill along with a block assist. A kill by freshman Jessi Freeman ended the match.
Leftridge led the Mustangs with 10 kills on .304 hitting while also recording eight digs. Schwartz and Weaver each tallied seven kills, with Weaver hitting at a .500 clip. Schwartz posted 11 digs. Senior Deanna Bradbury recorded 13 digs, while sophomore Caroline Dangel handed out 20 assists and recorded 12 digs. Sophomore Julie Nightwine added 12 digs.
Stevenson hit .467 in the final set and .315 for the match while holding the Diplomats to .118 hitting, including .038 in the final frame.
Stevenson closes out the regular season Saturday when it travels to Cabrini University for a 1:00 pm match.
