Owings Mills, Md. (November 12) – The second-seeded Stevenson women's volleyball team punched its ticket to the MAC Commonwealth Championship match with a thrilling four-set victory over third-seeded Messiah, 3-1 (23-25, 25-20, 25-14, 25-20), Wednesday night inside Owings Mills Gymnasium.

Set 1:
The Mustangs and Falcons traded points in a tightly contested opener that featured 10 ties and three lead changes. Messiah edged ahead midway through the set behind strong attacking from Makenzie Adams and Julia Bowen. Stevenson battled back, using kills from Giulia Viglietta and Rachel Lenz to close the gap, but the Falcons managed to hang on for a narrow 25-23 win.

Set 2:
Stevenson responded with poise and power in the second frame. The Mustangs stormed to a quick 4-0 lead behind the blocking tandem of Logan Burge and Maren Zepfel, and never trailed. Setter Declyn Tooze spread the offense effectively, connecting with Lenz and Viglietta to extend the lead. A late service ace from Tooze sealed the 25-20 win, evening the match at one set apiece.

Set 3:
Momentum carried into the third as the Mustangs turned in one of their most dominant stretches of the season. Stevenson hit .464 in the frame, with Lenz and Burge leading a balanced offensive attack. Viglietta's steady serving and Foose's precise setting kept Messiah off balance throughout, as Stevenson cruised to a commanding 25-14 victory.

Set 4:
With the home crowd behind them, the Mustangs stayed in rhythm in the fourth. Viglietta and Lenz continued to deliver clutch kills, while Burge and Lillianna Hornickle protected the net with key blocks. Messiah pushed late, but Stevenson's composure shone through, and Lenz capped the night with the match-winning kill for a 25-20 final.


With the win, No. 2 Stevenson (17-13) advances to the MAC Commonwealth Championship match and will travel to face top-seeded Eastern on Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 p.m. in the title showdown.