Owings Mills, Md. (October 25) - The Stevenson women's volleyball team wrapped up Senior Day at the Owings Mills Gymnasium with a split performance—battling through a tough afternoon match against nationally top-voted Lynchburg before storming back for a thrilling five-set victory over Rutgers–Camden in senior day nightcap.
Match 1: Lynchburg 3, Stevenson 0 (25–10, 25–15, 25–21)
Set 1:
Stevenson came out eager to challenge a strong Lynchburg team, trading early points behind kills from
Giulia Viglietta and
Rachel Lenz. The Mustangs' defensive unit—anchored by
Isabella Terra and
Lilly Eichelberger—worked to slow the Hornets' offensive rhythm. Despite a few long rallies that showcased Stevenson's hustle, Lynchburg's early efficiency gave them the edge to take the opening frame, 25–10.
Set 2:
The Mustangs settled in during the second set, showing stronger defensive organization and a steadier serve receive. Setter
Declyn Tooze spread the offense around, finding Viglietta on the outside and
Autumn Henry off the bench for key kills that kept Stevenson within striking distance. While Lynchburg maintained a slight lead, Stevenson's composure and improved attacking kept the pressure on, ultimately falling 25–15 but gaining confidence heading into the third.
Set 3:
Stevenson's resilience shone in the third set. The Mustangs battled point for point early on, with
Sydney Salazar contributing at the net and Viglietta recording multiple kills to keep momentum alive.
Courtney Foose's service ace midway through the set sparked a run that pulled Stevenson within two points. The Hornets held off the late surge, but the Mustangs' energy and execution were their best of the match, finishing with a competitive 25–21 scoreline.
Match 2: Stevenson 3, Rutgers–Camden 2 (25–9, 23–25, 25–27, 25–16, 15–9)
Set 1:
Stevenson started the nightcap on fire, dominating from the first serve. Lenz led a seven-point serving streak that included three aces, while Viglietta and
Adriana Anderson put down kills to build a commanding lead. The Mustangs' front line, featuring
Logan Burge and Viglietta, formed an impenetrable block that stifled Rutgers–Camden's hitters. Stevenson cruised to a 25–9 win, setting the tone for the match.
Set 2:
The Scarlet Raptors regrouped in the second set, forcing Stevenson into longer rallies. Lenz and
Mykiah Williams each tallied crucial kills to keep the Mustangs close, and libero Terra posted several diving digs to extend points. Despite a late push that brought Stevenson within one, Rutgers–Camden edged the set 25–23.
Set 3:
Set three was a thriller that saw both teams exchange momentum throughout. Foose and Tooze ran a balanced offense, distributing the ball effectively to Lenz, Viglietta, and Anderson. The Mustangs held a narrow 24–23 lead before Rutgers–Camden scored the final four points to steal the set 27–25, taking a 2–1 match lead.
Set 4:
Stevenson refused to back down, dominating the fourth with renewed energy. Viglietta and Williams controlled the net, combining for several blocks and timely kills, while Eichelberger's consistent serving sparked another Mustang run. The defense, led by Terra's 19 digs, completely shut down Rutgers–Camden's rhythm. Stevenson rolled to a 25–16 victory, forcing a decisive fifth set.
Set 5:
The Mustangs carried their momentum straight into the fifth. Lenz and Viglietta came up clutch again, each recording key kills as Stevenson jumped ahead early. Tooze and Foose kept the offense moving efficiently, and the Mustangs' back-row coverage was nearly flawless. With the home crowd behind them, Stevenson closed out the final set 15–9 to secure the hard-fought five-set win.
Stevenson will now look to Tuesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m., as they are set to Eastern for MAC Commonwealth action and for thier Green Out match.
