HOBOKEN, N.J.– On a day when the weather outside was most suitable for Ducks, Eastern University Men's Volleyball dropped a three-set decision in a road test against the defending Division III Champion and third-ranked Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks. Connor Tucholski posted a team-high 10 kills to lead the Eastern attack.

Still down three starters, the Eagles struggled to side-out with consistency against the aggressive Stevens serving game. The Ducks finished the match with eight aces while forcing the Eagles to less than optimal attacking scenarios for much of the first two sets.

Stevens (25-1, 6-0) jumped to an 18-10 lead in the opening set and held that edge on the way to a 25-15 win. Tucholski and Jarred Barch each had three kills in the opener, but the Eagles had nine attacking errors and hit only .056.

The tow teams traded points early in the second set before Stevens again put together a strong run of serves. The Ducks went from being up 8-7 to leading 21-10. The Eagles did not have enough firepower to recover and dropped the second set, 25-14.

Though the Eagles passed and hit better in the final set, the Ducks also found their rhythm and hit .526 while converting 15-of-19 sideout opportunities.

Symir Byrd finished with 13 digs, and Chris Miller had 21 assists. The Eagles (10-12, 2-2)  will host Widener University in another MAC test on Wednesday evening.