Ashland, Va. – Despite 10 kills from senior Tanner Stauffer and nine from senior Aleks Melbardis, the 15^thranked Stevenson men's volleyball team (7-5) fell to undefeated Randolph-Macon (8-0) in straight sets Saturday afternoon at Crenshaw Gymnasium. The set scores were 23-25, 17-25 and 19-25. 

The undefeated Yellow Jackets streaked to a 4-9 advantage with seven-straight points early in the first set. Stevenson responded with a run of four straight points followed by another of five points which included three consecutive kills from Stauffer, setting the score at 14-11 in favor of the Mustangs.

Randolph-Macon returned the favor with a run of four before Elliot De La Torre deposited a kill to knot the set at 15. Stevenson and Randolph Macon traded points for to the 23-23 mark before consecutive attack errors gave the Yellow Jackets the first frame.

RMC and Stevenson swapped rallies in the second set before a 7-2 RMC rally gave the Yellow Jackets a 7-12 lead. The Mustangs couldn't string more than two points together for the rest of the set, dropping the frame 17-25.

The third was tightly contested throughout, with neither team jumping to a streak of more than two points. Randolph-Macon was able to gain separation from the Mustangs by chipping a lead and not allowing Stevenson to rally. RMC took the final three points of the set to seal the match.

Numbers and Notes

• The Mustangs added 20 Blocks, the second most in 2022 since the season opener where the collected 28 vs Cal Lutheran (January 14).
• Stauffer notched double-digit kills for the fourth time this season and leads the team in the category.
• Mason Scott lead the match with 11 digs.

 What's Next

Stevenson returns to the comforts of The Owings Mills Gymnasium for their next three matches. First hosting Marymount (Feb. 16), then Rutgers-Newark (Feb. 25) and Widener (Feb. 26).