Stevenson University’s women’s volleyball team (22-7, 7-0 MAC) has continued their season with another lengthy win streak. The team’s 3-0 win on Oct. 19 at Lebanon Valley College extended a 13-game win streak that began Sept. 24 against Hood College.
A home game on Oct. 18 against St. Mary’s College of Maryland resulted in a win for the Mustangs in straight sets (25-13, 26-24, 25-23). Overall, Stevenson led in attacks and serves, with St. Mary’s leading overall in blocks. The game at Lebanon Valley the next day resulted in yet another win for Stevenson with a final score of 3-2 (25-16, 17-25, 32-25, 25-10, 15-9, 3-2). Again, SU led in overall attacks and serves.
The team also honored seniors Sara Bollinger, Jackie Zeppa, Kelsey Stave and Kristen Brooks on senior night against St. Mary’s College.
Head coach David Trumbo attributes a lot of the team’s success to their tough matches early in the season that allowed the Mustangs to learn a lot and practice playing at advanced skill levels. Beating teams like then-No. 13 Eastern University, to whom the Mustangs have lost in the past, has been a great confidence booster and has compelled the team to win tougher matches, said Trumbo.
The team continues to prepare for the upcoming final Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Commonwealth tournament games. The first round is scheduled for Oct. 31; the semifinals will be held on Nov. 2; and the finals on Nov. 5. Currently the team holds the top seed in the MAC with a record of 8-0.
The Mustangs have now finished undefeated in MAC Commonwealth play for a fifth consecutive season with a win over Alvernia on Oct. 25. Since joining the MAC Commonwealth in 2012, the Mustangs have a record of 42-0 as they eye a fifth consecutive conference championship.
Junior Annika Schwartz had her 11 double-double of the season against the Knights with 13 kills and 11 digs.
If the team wins the semifinals on Nov. 2, the Mustangs will be able to host the MAC Commonwealth championship, set for Nov. 5, following the Mustangs’ final regular season football game.
“Playing at home is a tremendous advantage for us,” said Trumbo. The MAC Commonwealth Championship has been held at Stevenson for the last four years, which has worked in the Mustangs’ favor, since SU has won all four championships held at Stevenson since 2012.
