Key Takeaways
- The No. 6 Stevens Institute of Technology men’s volleyball team defeated New Paltz 3-0 in a non-conference match.
- Julius Steimer led the team with 11 kills, while Nikko Tenedorio paced New Paltz with 11 kills.
- The Ducks will face No. 4 Juniata College in their next match on January 30th at 7:00 PM.
- Stevens will participate in the two-day Clash at Kean Tournament, starting with the match against Juniata College.
Introduction to the Match
The Stevens Institute of Technology men’s volleyball team, ranked No. 6, recently secured a 3-0 victory over New Paltz in a non-conference match. The win marked the team’s fourth consecutive victory, with Julius Steimer leading the way with 11 kills. The match was a closely contested one, with the Ducks ultimately emerging victorious by scores of 25-21, 25-23, and 26-24.
The First Set
The first set saw the Ducks jump out to an early 9-3 advantage, with Phillip Bone and Steimer contributing to the lead. The Hawks attempted to mount a comeback, but the Ducks maintained their lead, with Steimer sealing the set with a kill off a Nick Schmidt set. The set ended with a score of 25-21 in favor of the Ducks. The team’s strong start set the tone for the rest of the match, with the Ducks’ offense and defense working in tandem to secure the win.
The Second Set
The second set was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading points early on. However, the Ducks eventually pulled ahead, with Steimer and Li contributing to the lead. The Hawks fought back, but the Ducks rebuilt their cushion and ultimately took the set 25-23. The set was marked by several unforced errors by New Paltz, which the Ducks capitalized on to secure the win. The team’s ability to adapt to the Hawks’ strategy and make adjustments on the fly was key to their success in the set.
The Third Set
The third set saw the Ducks fall behind early, trailing 8-5. However, the team quickly evened the score, and the set became a see-saw affair, with the score tied at 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. The Ducks eventually pulled ahead, with Esteban Schmitt and Levandoske contributing to the lead. The Hawks mounted a late comeback, but the Ducks held on to secure the set 26-24. The team’s resilience and determination were on full display in the set, as they fought to secure the sweep.
Player Performance
Several players stood out in the match, with Steimer finishing with 11 kills, seven digs, and two aces. Levandoske added nine kills and five digs, while Tyler Hoke and Li each posted two blocks. Dominic Ambrose anchored the defense with 11 digs, and Schmidt dished out 30 assists. The team’s balanced attack and strong defense were key to their success in the match.
Upcoming Matches
The Ducks will remain in-state this weekend, competing in the two-day Clash at Kean Tournament. The team will open play on Friday against No. 4 Juniata College at 7:00 PM in Union, N.J. The match will be a tough test for the Ducks, but they will look to build on their current momentum and secure another victory. With their strong team chemistry and individual player performances, the Ducks are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.