Juniata Box Stevenson Box
JUNIATA, PA – Facing two top-ranked teams in Division III men’s volleyball in one day, Hilbert College struggled to play consistent volleyball although they had their moments during each match March 2. #3 ranked Juniata improved to 13-6 overall with their 3-0 victory against the Hawks before 11th ranked Stevenson University survived a few scares in their 3-0 win over Hilbert. The Hawks moved to 4-14 overall as Stevenson jumped to 10-5.
Hilbert battled to 25-22, 25-14 and 25-23 set scores and really pushed for the upset against Stevenson. Adam Weaver led all players with 15 kills and Scott Ross added 6 as Hilbert earned a combined 34 team kills. Adam Clabo returned to action hitting .750 (3 kills). Stevenson was credited with 40 kills and had three players who each reached 7. David Mellerski assisted on 28 kills while Ryan Ratajczak finished with double-digit digs (12).
In the opening game against Juniata, Hilbert endured strong net play as the hosts were credited with 11.5 blocks and 37 kills. The Hawks were hesitant on offensive hitting .014 and Weaver knocked down 9 kills while Mellerski had 19 assists. Ross tossed in 6 kills and one service ace in the loss.
The Hawks have a week off from competition before they travel to New Paltz, NY for the United Volleyball Confernece cross-over weekend play. Hilbert faces SUNYIT March 9 and then squares off against Stevens (11am) March 10th before the finish the day at 3pm against New Paltz. Hilbert (1-6) then turns around and travels to their final UVC league game against Penn State Behrend (March 21).
The Hawks finish their season with five additional games after their UVC portion of the game schedule is complete. They will host Penn State Behrend on April 3 before they celebrate their senior day on April 9th against Thiel College.