OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Stevenson University women's volleyball team split its Battle of the SU's tri-match on Saturday afternoon at Owings Mills Gymnasium, falling 3–1 to Salisbury before bouncing back with a 3–0 victory over Susquehanna in non-conference action. The Mustangs responded to a difficult opening set against the Sea Gulls with a dominant 25–15 second-set win, but Salisbury claimed the final two sets, 25–14 and 25–9, to secure the match. Stevenson regrouped against the River Hawks, edging a tightly contested opening set, 27–25, before taking the next two sets, 25–22 and 25–19, to complete the sweep.
Vs. Salisbury
Set 1: Salisbury jumped out to an early lead and used a strong opening run to take control of the first set. Stevenson worked to find its rhythm offensively, with kills from
Lillianna Hornickle and
Maren Zepfel helping the Mustangs get on the board. Zepfel added two more kills as Stevenson continued to battle, while
Rachel Lenz and
Logan Burge contributed at the net. Salisbury maintained its advantage and closed out the set, 25–13.
Set 2: Stevenson responded emphatically in the second set, keeping pace with Salisbury early before building momentum midway through the frame. With the score tied at 8–8, the Mustangs used a key stretch of serving from Lenz, who recorded three service aces during the set, to create separation. Stevenson continued to capitalize on its opportunities, extending the lead to 16–9 before closing the set on a 25–15 score to even the match at one set apiece.
Set 3: The Sea Gulls regained control in the third set, building an early advantage and putting pressure on the Mustang defense. Stevenson continued to compete, with kills from Lenz, Zepfel and Hornickle helping generate offense. However, Salisbury maintained its lead through the middle portion of the set and used a late scoring run to take the frame, 25–14, and move ahead 2–1.
Set 4: Salisbury carried its momentum into the fourth set, opening with a 10–0 run. Stevenson continued to work for scoring opportunities, with kills from Zepfel,
Emma Shaffer and Hornickle helping the Mustangs find points. Lenz and Shaffer also added kills as Stevenson looked to close the gap, but Salisbury's offensive efficiency proved difficult to overcome. The Sea Gulls finished the set, 25–9, to earn the 3–1 victory.
Lenz led the Stevenson offense with nine kills and added 12 digs and three service aces. Zepfel contributed eight kills, while Shaffer recorded five kills and a team-high 25 digs. Hornickle added three kills and four total blocks, while Burge finished with two kills and five total blocks.
Courtney Foose paced the offense with 11 assists, and
Declyn Tooze added 15 assists. Defensively,
Isabella Terra recorded 11 digs, while Lenz and Tooze each contributed double-digit digs. Stevenson finished with 31 kills, 28 assists, seven service aces and eight total team blocks.
Vs. Susquehanna
Set 1: Stevenson and Susquehanna traded points throughout a competitive opening set. The Mustangs found themselves trailing late before mounting a comeback to even the score at 24–24. Stevenson continued to apply pressure, with Zepfel recording a key kill to give the Mustangs a 26–25 advantage.
Emily McElwaine followed with a kill to close out the set, 27–25, giving Stevenson an early 1–0 match lead.
Set 2: The Mustangs carried their momentum into the second set, opening with a 4–0 run behind strong serving and defensive pressure. Susquehanna responded to close the gap, eventually tying the set at 14–14. Stevenson regained control with timely kills from Zepfel and Lenz, while
Sydney Salazar added an important point to help the Mustangs maintain their advantage. Stevenson held off a late Susquehanna push to claim a 25–22 victory and take a 2–0 lead.
Set 3: Stevenson established control early in the third set, building an 8–1 advantage behind a balanced offensive effort and strong serving from
Laila Frye. The Mustangs continued to extend their lead, reaching a 20–12 advantage following kills from Lenz and Hornickle. Susquehanna attempted to close the gap late, but Stevenson maintained its composure and finished the set, 25–19, to complete the sweep.
Lenz led the Mustangs with 10 kills, while Zepfel added nine kills. Salazar contributed six kills, and McElwaine recorded two kills and three block assists.
Declyn Tooze directed the offense with 18 assists and added a service ace. Defensively,
Isabella Terra recorded 10 digs, while
Lilly Eichelberger contributed four digs and two service aces. Stevenson finished with 31 kills, eight total team blocks, and eight service aces.
Stevenson returns to action on Thursday, October 15, traveling to Shenandoah for a 6 p.m. non-conference matchup.
