Ashland, Va. (February, 21) — The Stevenson Mustangs participated in the Randolph Macon tri-match, pushing points deep into sets and finding momentum at the net despite setbacks against the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins (3–1) and the Randolph–Macon Yellow Jackets (3–0). 
 
Vs. Virginia Wesleyan, 3-1

Set 1:
Stevenson struck first as Corwin Trouteaud and Adam DeRubertis combined for an early block to force a Marlins error and grab the opening point. Virginia Wesleyan answered with a quick 6–2 run. The Mustangs settled in behind a kill from Adam Sawyers and Trouteaud, trimming the deficit midway through the set. Despite steady offense from Sawyers and timely plays by Jackson Bones, the Marlins closed the frame on a late push to take the opener, 25–19.

Set 2:
The Mustangs responded with energy in the second set. DeRubertis opened the scoring with a kill and followed with a service ace to ignite a 3–0 Stevenson run. Jackson Bones and Trouteaud teamed up for a key block to extend the lead, while RC Getteau added a timely finish to keep momentum on Stevenson's side. Virginia Wesleyan tightened the score late, but the Mustangs executed down the stretch. Back-to-back points from Sawyers and DeRubertis helped Stevenson edge the Marlins, 25–23, evening the match at 1–1.

Set 3:
Virginia Wesleyan gained early control in the third, piecing together a small run to force Stevenson to play from behind. Getteau halted the momentum with a kill, and a service ace from Robinson kept the Mustangs within striking distance. Sawyers remained a reliable target on the outside, converting multiple swings to keep the deficit manageable. DeRubertis added another late kill as Stevenson pushed to close the gap, but the Marlins maintained their advantage and secured the set, 25–19.

Set 4:
Facing a 2–1 deficit, the Mustangs battled through extended rallies in the fourth. Trouteaud delivered a key kill to stop a Marlins surge. The Mustangs found a spark offensively during a crucial stretch. Stevenson's block showed life again at the net, forcing several Virginia Wesleyan errors and keeping the score tight midway through the set. However, the Marlins capitalized on a late run to seal the match with a 25–19 victory.
 
 
Vs. Randolph-Macon, 3-0

Set 1: The Mustangs traded early points with Randolph-Macon, as Kevin Kouchoukos opened Stevenson's scoring with a kill and Adam DeRubertis and Adam Sawyers added finishes to keep the frame close. Tanner Laukhuff settled into a rhythm midway through the set, recording multiple kills off Connor Roth assists to tie the score at 9–9. Stevenson continued to fight through long rallies and late points from DeRubertis and Kouchoukos, but the Yellow Jackets used a closing run to take the opener, 25–18.

Set 2: Stevenson answered with energy and cleaner execution. Laukhuff and Corwin Trouteaud sparked an early surge, with Trouteaud delivering a service ace and combining with Kouchoukos and Sawyers on key blocks. DeRubertis added timely swings down the stretch, helping the Mustangs trim the deficit to two at 24–22. Randolph-Macon held off the push, narrowly claiming the set, 25–22.

Set 3: Refusing to back down, the Mustangs kept attacking. Laukhuff again provided momentum with the first kill and an ace, while Trouteaud and DeRubertis connected on clutch side-out swings to keep Stevenson within reach. Sawyers chipped in and the Mustangs extended several rallies with steady defense and transition offense. Even with the late pressure, Randolph-Macon pieced together the final points to secure the match, 25–19.
 

The Mustangs will now look to the first MAC Commonwealth contest of the season on Tuesday, February 24, for a 7 p.m. tip-off hosted by Hood.