SAINT DAVIDS, Pa. – The Stevenson women's volleyball team battled against undefeated Eastern on Wednesday evening in MAC Commonwealth action, falling 3–0 by scores of 25–16, 25–16 and 29–27. Despite dropping the first two sets, the Mustangs responded with a determined effort in the third, pushing the Eagles beyond the standard 25-point mark before Eastern secured the match.
Set 1:
Eastern jumped out to an early advantage, using a strong offensive start to build a 9–2 lead. Stevenson looked to respond as Emma Shaffer and Sydney Salazar recorded kills, while Emily McElwaine added a point to help the Mustangs work back into the set.
Stevenson continued to battle, with Shaffer and Rachel Lenz contributing kills, while Lenz and McElwaine teamed up for a block. The Mustangs added late points through Lenz and Declyn Tooze, but Eastern maintained its advantage to take the opening set, 25–16.
Set 2:
The Mustangs looked to even the match in the second set, with Lenz and McElwaine providing early kills. Maren Zepfeland Salazar added to the offensive effort, while McElwaine continued to find success at the net.
Eastern gradually created separation, building an advantage midway through the set. Stevenson continued to find opportunities to respond as Zepfel and Lenz recorded additional kills, while Lillianna Hornickle contributed a solo block. The Mustangs added another point through Zepfel and Hornickle before Eastern closed out the set, 25–16, to take a 2–0 match lead.
Set 3:
Facing a two-set deficit, Stevenson came out with renewed energy in the third, opening with a 3–0 run behind a service ace from Courtney Foose and a pair of Eastern errors. Hornickle and Salazar added kills as the Mustangs continued to trade points with the Eagles.
Stevenson began to find its rhythm offensively, with Lenz delivering a kill and a service ace to help the Mustangs build a 12–7 advantage. Shaffer and McElwaine added kills, while Tooze contributed offensively to keep Stevenson in front. The Mustangs continued to apply pressure, with Lenz and McElwaine recording additional kills to help maintain a 17–12 lead.
Eastern responded with a run to even the score at 18–18, but Stevenson answered with kills from McElwaine and Shaffer. Tooze added a kill, while a point from Terra helped the Mustangs move ahead 22–20. Stevenson continued to push, with Tooze delivering another kill to bring the Mustangs within one point of taking the set at 24–23.
Eastern fought off the set point, forcing extra points as the teams continued to trade kills. Lenz answered with three additional kills during the extended battle, including points that evened the score at 25–25, 26–26 and 27–27. Eastern ultimately found the final two points to secure a 29–27 victory and complete the 3–0 sweep.
Lenz led the Mustangs offensively with 11 kills, six digs and a service ace. McElwaine added four kills while hitting .364, and Shaffer contributed five kills and seven digs. Foose paced the offense with 14 assists, while Tooze added nine assists. Defensively, Isabella Terra led Stevenson with 11 digs, while Hornickle recorded a solo block. Stevenson finished with 29 kills, 42 digs and three total blocks.
The Mustangs will return home on Saturday, November 7, hosting Lebanon Valley at noon for nonconference action. Stevenson will also celebrate and recognize its seniors as part of Senior Day.
