LANGHORNE, Pa. (February 4, 2009) – Senior middle hitter Andrew Cranford notched an .800 hitting percentage with 17 kills on 20 swings as the fourth-ranked Stevens Institute of Technology men's volleyball team rolled over No. 14 Philadelphia Biblical University, 3-0 Wednesday night in Langhorne, Pa. The Ducks produced a team hitting percentage of .396 and landed 13 blocks as Stevens won by the scores of 30-28, 30-22, 30-27. The Ducks are now 8-1 on the year as they prepare for conference action this Saturday against defending conference champs Vassar College.
Outside hitters Joe Trinsey and John Dennan kept the offense rolling as they amassed 11 and nine kills, respectively. Trinsey added three blocks as Dennan finished with one on the night. Freshman setter Derek Mulvey has been stellar recently as he averaged 15 assists per set on the night for a total of 45. Defensively for Stevens, senior libero Michael Bertucci lifted eight digs as Cranford led in total blocks (5). Dennan got in on the action as he lofted eight digs. Top hitting percentages for Stevens came from sophomore outside hitter SteFan PremDas and senior middle blocker Doug Reger. PremDas notched a .500 attacking rating as Reger followed suit having hit .455 in the win.
The Crimson Eagles hit just .172 on the night and accumulated four team blocks. PBU was led by sophomore outside hitter Justin Brubaker (Telford, Pa.), who recorded 25 kills and two blocks. Behind him was junior outside hitter Leandro Dueck (Lititz, Pa.) having registered 15 kills and eight digs. Sophomore setter Drew Dillon (Mount Joy, Pa.) dished out 45 assists, while sophomore middle hitter Jon Rose (Warrington, Pa.) had six digs.
Stevens will pick up NECVA Metro play on Saturday when they host the Brewers of Vassar at 1 p.m. Last season the Ducks fell in five to Vassar, before some late heroics. Trailing 14-10 in Set 5, Stevens battled back to tie the game at 14, 15 and finally 16. Then on its third try at match point, Vassar earned the hard-fought victory. Saturday's match will be webcasted live at www.Empire8.tv and will feature live stats as well.
Box Score to Follow
