Stevenson’s men’s volleyball program is on a three-game win streak and has no plan of slowing down. The team is focused on winning the conference as the season comes to a close.
![Spring sports headshot](https://villager.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/MVBteam-300x189.jpg)
As of March 21, their overall record is 21-6; men’s volleyball remains undefeated at 9-0 in the Continental Volleyball Conference (CVC). As the regular season winds down, the Mustangs have three conference games left that can determine their rank in the CVC. Head coach Steve Grossnickle remains hopeful that the team will make an appearance in the playoffs: “Our goal has been the same since the beginning of the season: winning the conference,” said Grossnickle, who added that winning the conference would get Stevenson an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
The success from their Midwest trip allowed the team to rise in the rankings. Men’s volleyball is currently ranked No. 7 in the nation, according to the NCAA.
“Playing seven matches in five days, staying at four different hotels and traveling to three different states, all in a bus, makes for a difficult task, ” Grossnickle also mentioned the trip the toughest thing the team and staff has faced since he began coaching for Stevenson.
![Photo by Sabina Moran](https://villager.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/RobWMVB-205x300.jpg)
Despite the hardships, the Mustangs went 6-1, defeating three nationally ranked teams. “We found success by sticking together and being mentally strong,” Grossnickle added.
The team’s strategy is to continue conditioning and developing talent throughout the roster. With a strong freshman class, the Mustangs have been able to achieve this goal.
“It has always been my belief we get better every day at practice. Guys have been coming in and trying to improve their game every day at practice. Our bench play has been instrumental; the results have not just come all from our starters,” Grossnickle said. The results have shown throughout the season.
The Mustangs return home for conference games against Marymount University on March 23 and Eastern Mennonite University March 30. To learn more about the players and their statistics, visit GoMustangSports.