HOBOKEN, N.J. - Going up against one of the top teams both in the MAC and the country, Eastern Men's Volleyball put forth another valiant effort. However, a strong attack by the home Ducks proved to be the difference as the Eagles fell in straight sets (21-25, 12-25, 18-25). Stevens finished the match with 46 kills, 10 blocks, and six aces, hitting a robust .380 for the match.
"We knew today was going to be difficult and it was," Eastern Head Coach Randy Syracuse said. "The No. 5 team in the country was superior in all aspects. After a slow start, the team got into a rhythm to make the first game close. The remainder of the match we worked very hard, but we just didn't do enough with our first contact on serve receive and defense to dictate play as our opponents were able to do."
Justin Flor led the Eagles in kills for the third straight match, collecting 10 terminations, while Foster Lobb finished with nine and Rodney Quarles added six. Chris Miller and Nick Storz combined for 26 assists, while Trey Miller led the defensive effort with eight digs.
After trading the first six points, the Ducks used a 15-7 run to grab an 18-11 lead in the first set. However, the Eagles finally settled into their gameplan, using a 6-1 surge to trim their deficit to 19-17. Lobb recorded two kills in the run, while Flor collected one. Despite the comeback effort, the Eagles could not complete it, not getting closer than two points the rest of the way.
Eastern struggled in the second set, recording just six kills in 21 swings. The Ducks built an 18-12 advantage before ending the second set on a 7-0 run.
The Eagles got off to a strong start in the third set, building a 7-3 advantage on kills from Lobb, Quarles, and Andres Suarez. Eastern held their advantage throughout the majority of the set, but the Ducks were able to close it out, using a 10-0 run to turn its 18-15 deficit into a 25-18 victory.
Despite the final score, Syracuse continues to be pleased with his team's progression and growth over the last several matches.
"I am proud of the way we compete," Syracuse concluded. "I feel our effort will be rewarded before too long."
Eastern will be back in action on Tuesday, traveling to Neumann to take on the Knights in a non-conference matchup. Opening serve is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
