CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: Field Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Soccer Advance to MAC Commonwealth Championship on Saturday
The Stevenson University fall athletic programs are making history in 2025, with field hockey and men’s and women’s soccer all advancing to the MAC Commonwealth Championship on Saturday. The field hockey team secured the No. 1 seed last weekend and defeated No. 4 Hood in Wednesday’s semifinal to earn a spot in the title match. The Mustangs will host third-seeded Messiah in the MAC Commonwealth Championship at noon on Owings Mills East. Earlier this season, Stevenson fell to the Falcons in a tightly contested 2-1 overtime matchup and will look to claim the program’s first-ever victory over Messiah. The women’s soccer team, which clinched the No. 3 seed, advanced to the championship after a 2-1 victory over second-seeded York (Pa.) on Tuesday. The Mustangs will travel to take on top-seeded and nationally ranked Messiah on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Stevenson will aim to earn its first win over the Falcons in program history, having recorded two draws in previous meetings. The teams last met in October, with Messiah taking a 3-0 win. The men’s soccer team secured the No. 2 seed and advanced to the championship following a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against No. 3 York (Pa.) on Wednesday. The Mustangs will travel to face top-seeded Messiah on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Stevenson looks to break through for its first win over the Falcons after falling 1-0 in a competitive regular-season matchup.
PREVIEW: Women’s Volleyball Set for 13th Straight MAC Commonwealth Postseason Appearance
Owings Mills, Md. (November 7) – The Stevenson women’s volleyball team is set to make its 13th consecutive appearance in the MAC Commonwealth Championship Tournament as the No. 2 seed on Wednesday, November 12. The Mustangs clinched their postseason berth with a dominant 3-0 sweep at Alvernia in late October and maintained strong momentum through the remainder of conference play, finishing with a 6-1 MAC Commonwealth record. Stevenson officially secured the No. 2 seed with another convincing 3-0 victory, this time over Albright, on Wednesday, November 5. With the seeding locked in, the Mustangs earned home-court advantage and will host last year’s MAC Commonwealth Champions, No. 3 Messiah, in the semifinal round on Wednesday, November 12. First serve is set for 7 p.m. inside Owings Mills Gymnasium.
October Conference Awards
Week 10: October 28-November 3 Women’s Volleyball- MAC Commonwealth Defensive Player of the Week: Declyn Tooze anchored Stevenson’s defense with 61 digs across three matches, averaging 4.36 digs per set. She posted a career-high 33 digs in a 3-1 win over Alvernia, then added 21 more in a five-set victory against Rutgers-Camden. Week 9: October 21-26 Men’s Soccer- MAC Commonwealth Offensive Player of the Week: Gianfranco Vitella registered six points across two matches, tallying a goal and an assist in both a 2-0 victory over McDaniel and a 3-0 win over Widener as the Mustangs extended their unbeaten streak. Week 8: October 14-19 Women’s Volleyball- MAC Commonwealth Offensive Player of the Week: Logan Burge powered Stevenson to a 3-1 week, totaling 24 kills, nine aces, and 37.5 points across 14 sets. She posted 10 kills on .563 hitting in a four-set win over Regent and added seven kills, three aces, and four blocks in a tight five-set match at Salisbury. In conference action against York, Burge helped Stevenson secure a 3-0 sweep with 5 kills on .250 hitting, keeping the Mustangs’ offense balanced and efficient. Women’s Soccer- MAC Commonwealth Defensive Player of Week: Isabella Serano posted two shutouts and nine total saves on the week. She stopped five shots in a 0-0 draw with Salisbury before adding four saves in a 2-0 win at Albright.
October Top Plays
Mustangs honor heroes at annual Football Military Appreciation Game
Stevenson University Athletics and the Mustangs Football team proudly hosted its annual Military Appreciation Game on Saturday November 1, recognizing the courage, service, and sacrifice of active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. Before kickoff, the Mustangs invited all active-duty and veteran service members in attendance to stand and be recognized as the crowd offered a heartfelt round of applause. The team also wore special helmet decals to symbolize gratitude for those who have served our country. A highlight of the afternoon came during the ceremonial coin toss, which featured four members of the Stevenson community with distinguished military backgrounds: • Sergeant Beryl Mbanwi, a Computer Information Systems major and Army Reservist, who also serves as a Cadet in the Johns Hopkins University Army ROTC Blue Jay Battalion. • Retired Technical Sergeant Donald Ellis, a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran and Stevenson graduate, currently pursuing his master’s in communication. • Staff Sergeant Sara Ropski, Associate Athletics Communications Director and nine-year member of the 28th Infantry Division, recently deployed to Somalia. • Retired First Sergeant Brian Scavetta, a 20-year Army veteran and decorated combat leader, whose son Giuliano plays for the Mustangs. Throughout the day, the Stevenson community also honored veteran faculty, staff, and family members connected to the football team and visiting Lebanon Valley squad. Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Charger Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment were stationed outside the stadium with an educational exhibit, providing fans an in-person experience and closer look at modern military operations and equipment. Veterans and active military members visiting the concourse could sign a commemorative Military Appreciation Game jersey and receive a small token of gratitude. Additionally, information was available about Stevenson’s veteran support programs, including the use of the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, and career advising resources. The event served as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between athletics, service, and community — a celebration of both Mustang pride and national gratitude. Stevenson University extends its sincerest thanks to all veterans, service members, and military families for their continued sacrifice and commitment.
Max Racich, of Men’s Lacrosse, has been an invaluable asset to athletic communications as a Sports Information Intern. He has contributed greatly to the setup of Fall Sports this season, as well as taking on a role stating Field Hockey and Soccer games. Racich has helped Stevenson deliver top-tier sporting coverage throughout the fall season.
Uche Mbachu , of Men’s Lacrosse, has made an impact on the growing social media footprint of Stevenson Athletics. He is an active photography/videography student worker who produces top-quality content for the Mustangs. He also has been working with the United States Naval Academy producing social media content for their pages as well.
Allison Fitzgerald, of Women’s Swimming, has made a tremendous impact on campus for all Mustangs. She currently serves as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA). As SGA President, Fitzgerald is responsible to oversee the development of all students on campus to enhance the quality of life in social, academic, professional, and personal aspects. She also secured a top podium position alongside three of her teammates in the Women’s 200-yard Freestyle Relay during the first meet of the season.
Patrick Caulden, of Men’s Soccer, has been a key asset to the growth of the Men’s Soccer program, as well as the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), which he serves as the President. SAAC has hosted events such as the Stampede for Survival, to help raise funds for Breast Cancer research, a sports equipment drive, to donate to under-privileged youths, and League of Dreams, providing a fun day for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Mustangs Basketball Coaches Attend Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s College Season Tip-Off Luncheon
Three Stevenson University basketball coaches — Jackie Boswell, Minase Shiferaw, and Jack Bors — recently attended the 13th Annual College Season Tip-Off Luncheon, hosted by the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, on Monday October 27. The event, presented by Brooke and Joshua Wagner, brought together some of the most respected figures in college basketball to celebrate the upcoming season and support the Foundation’s mission of strengthening communities and changing kids’ lives. This year’s luncheon featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, Georgetown University head coach Ed Cooley, University of Maryland women’s basketball head coach Brenda Frese, Louisiana State University women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey, and University of Virginia men’s basketball head coach Ryan Odom. For Boswell, Shiferaw, and Bors, the event provided an opportunity to connect with peers across all levels of the game, gain insight from some of basketball’s most accomplished coaches, and represent Stevenson University at one of the region’s premier basketball gatherings. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation continues to make an impact through programs that use sports and mentorship to empower young people and promote positive change.
UPCOMING ID CLINICS
Stevenson Acrobatics & Tumbling | Saturday, October, 11 | 1-4 p.m.
This is a great opportunity for an on-the-mat experience learning alongside current collegiate athletes to learn the basics of A&T. We will be instructing and teaching drills in all events, including Acros, Pyramids, Toss, and Tumbling. All levels are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
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Support Stevenson Athletics
There are a number of naming opportunities still available on our East campus. Please contact Chris Vaughan, cvaughan@stevenson.edu or 443-334-2624