Chris Bock was named most valuable player of the NECVA Tournament after leading Stevens to a 3-0 win over Medaille.

MAHWAH, N.J. - Junior outside hitter Chris Bock (Empangeri, South Africa/University-Fla.) recorded 10 kills, eight digs, three blocks and two service aces to lead the fourth-ranked Stevens men's volleyball team to a 3-0 (30-23, 30-23, 30-24) victory over Medaille College in the championship match of the North East Collegiate Volleyball Association Tournament on Sunday at Ramapo College. Bock was named the tournament's most valuable player.

Stevens (24-7), captured its second NECVA title in three years and earned the conference's automatic bid to the Molten Invitational Championship - the equivalent of the Division III Final Four in men's volleyball.  Stevens will serve as host of the Molten, which also features Carthage (West representative), Juniata (EIVA representative) and Medaille (NECVA representative).  The tournament will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16, at the Canavan Arena on the Stevens campus.  Matches are scheduled for 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on both days.

Medialle, which defeated Stevens in the semifinals of the 2004 NECVA Tournament on its way to the championship, brings a 19-8 record into the Molten.

Stevens played one of its top all-around matches of the season.  Junior outside hitter Greg Higgins (Kenmore, N.Y./Kenmore West) led all players with 14 kills.  Higgins, who also had four block assists, hit .500 for the match (14-2-24).  Senior outside hitter Brian Woodworth (San Jose, Calif./Bellarmine Prep), who was also selected to the all-tournament team, added 10 kills, 10 digs and two service aces.  Bock earned MVP honors at the NECVA Tournament for the second time in his career.  He was also selected as most valuable player in 2003 when the Ducks earned a 3-2 win over Eastern Mennonite for their first NECVA title.

Stevens started slowly in the first game, but pulled away for a 30-23 victory with a strong blocking game.  The Ducks, who finished the match with 12 total team blocks, forced Medaille into 11 errors in the opening game (.083).

Stevens, which hit .382 in the second game (17-4-34) led the entire way in winning 30-23.  The Ducks were crisp in the third game, hitting .375 (14-5-24) on their way to a 30-24 victory and a sweep.

Sophomore middle hitter Scott Stoner (Wantagh, N.Y./Wantagh) added four kills, seven block assists and six service aces for Stevens.  Freshman setter Steve Strollo (Nesconset, N.Y.Smithtown) had 35 assists.

Sophomore outside hitter Jake Beiter led Medaille with 13 kills.  Junior outside hitter Erik Hartman added 11 kills.

Stevens plays its final regular-season match on Wednesday night, April 13, when it hosts NJIT at 7 p.m. at the Canavan Arena.