Harrisonburg, Va. (January 31) – The Stevenson men's volleyball team showcased grit and flashes of high-powered offense Saturday afternoon inside Yoder Arena, competing in the Eastern Mennonite tri-match with an energetic showing against Rutgers–Newark before continuing its push later in the day against Southern Virginia. Despite dropping both matches, the Mustangs delivered key runs, balanced contributions, and momentum-building stretches throughout the day as they continue building toward their next road test.
vs. Rutgers–Newark
Set 1:
Stevenson came out aggressive and matched the Scarlet Raiders point for point early.
Tanner Laukhuff put down an early kill off a
Connor Roth assist, and
Kevin Kouchoukos followed with a strong finish at the net to even the score.
Jackson Bones added consecutive kills midway through the frame, while
Adam DeRubertis provided a spark off the bench. The Mustangs stayed within striking distance throughout, trading side-outs and forcing service errors before Rutgers–Newark closed the set 25–21.
Set 2:
Bones helped steady Stevenson with timely swings and back-to-back service aces to cut into an early deficit. Laukhuff continued to produce from the outside, and Kouchoukos found seams in the defense to keep the Mustangs within reach. Roth distributed efficiently, spreading the offense across multiple hitters as Stevenson chipped away late, but the Raiders held on for a 25–14 edge.
Set 3:
The Mustangs opened the third with renewed energy. DeRubertis recorded a trio of kills during a key stretch, while
Corwin Trouteaud and Bones added points to keep Stevenson close in the middle portion of the set. Several extended rallies highlighted Stevenson's defensive effort, but Rutgers–Newark sealed the match 25–15.
vs. Southern Virginia
Set 1:
Stevenson settled in quickly in the second match of the day. Laukhuff and
RC Getteau connected on early kills, and DeRubertis added another finish to trim the gap. The Mustangs stayed aggressive from the service line and forced multiple errors, with Roth directing the offense to keep the set competitive before Southern Virginia edged ahead late, 25–17.
Set 2:
The Mustangs continued to spread the scoring around. Laukhuff powered several swings through the block, while Bones and Getteau added support on the pins. Stevenson capitalized on service miscues and quick transitions to keep pace through the middle of the set. Though Southern Virginia created separation late, the Mustangs maintained pressure and forced long rallies before the set ended 25–14.
Set 3:
Stevenson showed its best rhythm early in the final frame. Laukhuff and Bones each recorded kills to ignite the offense, and the Mustangs strung together stops defensively to stay within reach. Multiple side-out sequences and strong passing from the back row kept the score tight before the match closed out with a 15-25 set score.
Stevenson returns to action on Tuesday, February 3, traveling to Marymount for a 7:00 p.m. first serve.
