FREDERICK, Md. – A close matchup in front of special Hood College faculty and staff did not fall men's volleyball's way, as a Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth matchup against Stevenson ended with the Mustangs sweeping them 3-0.
Set Scores
The Mustangs won 25-17, 29-27, 25-14.
Inside the Box Score
Sean Seely (Bethpage, N.Y./Bethpage High School) led the Blazers with 11 kills and three service aces.
Gael Bravo (Lanham, Md./Bowie High School) ended the evening with 16 assists.
Daniel Ward (Ellicott City, Md./Marriotts Ridge High School) finished the match with six digs.
How it Happened
Hood kept the first set close for a while, never letting Stevenson get out of reach as a
Charles Casas (Rehoboth Beach, Del./Cape Henlopen High School) kill brought them to within three points at 15-12. Unfortunately, the Mustangs would score two points for each one the Blazers managed, taking the first set and the early 1-0 match lead.
Although Stevenson would go on an early 5-0 run to put Hood in an early 8-3 hole, the home team never gave up, slowly inching their way back into the set. Even after the Mustangs looked to close out the set holding a 23-20 advantage, a kill from Casas and back-to-back kills from Seely tied the game up before Seely again came in clutch to force extra rallies after tying the game at 24. The Blazers had an opportunity to take the second set quickly after the late tie, but could not get that final point as it ended up being Stevenson with a 2-0 lead with a chance to sweep the home team.
Despite starting off on the back foot, Hood started to rally once again, taking advantage of some miscommunication to begin the third set down just 5-3. However, a 7-0 run from the Mustangs would give Stevenson a sizable advantage they would not relinquish, with the Blazers managing to get within five points, but no closer before the Mustangs completed the 3-0 sweep.
For the Opponent
Adam DeRubertis totaled 10 kills for Stevenson.
Doug Hines has 25 assists and two service aces.
Notes
Hood drops to 5-19 (0-3) on the season, while Stevenson improves to 14-8 (4-2).
Up Next
The Blazers head to Hobokin, New Jersey for a non-conference matchup against No. 3 Stevens University.
