GRANTHAM, Pa. – With a tough week ahead of them, the Stevenson University men's volleyball team started the schedule with a matchup against ninth-ranked Messiah.

The Falcons (18-1, 3-0 MAC) came away with a 3-1 decision against the Mustangs (9-5, 1-1 MAC) who were receiving votes in the latest AVCA Coaches' Poll.

Set scores on Wednesday night were 25-18, 24-26, 25-20 and 25-18 in favor of the Falcons.

Stevenson was led by Tim Flanagan who had 17 kills, with Ryan Thenell adding in 15. Adam DeRubertis had two aces on the evening.

Corwin Trouteaud had four blocks with Flanagan having two. Doug Hines had 34 assists, with JD Sarmuksnis having 12 digs. Tannel Laukhuff added in ten.

The Mustangs shook off a tough first set and hit .405 (16-1-37) in the second set. Stevenson finished the night hitting .220 (44-17-123). Thenell hit .355 (15-4-31) with Flanagan hitting .283 (17-4-46).

Stevenson gets set for a weekend tri-match with fifth-ranked Stevens and Randolph-Macon on Saturday starting a 2 p.m.