HOBOKEN, N.J. - To open a meaningful, lengthy weekend of competition, the Southern Virginia University men's volleyball team squared off with the No. 4 team in the land, Stevens.

While the Knights outlasted Stevens in two tightly contested sets to open up a 2-0 lead, the hosts used a wave of momentum to win the next three, handing Southern Virginia just its fourth loss of the season. 

David Ward, Brady Dastrup, and Tommy Forese were lethal on the attack, but also stellar on defense to vault the Knights into an early lead. A kill from Dastrup clinched the opening frame, 25-22.

They won the second, 26-24, to put Stevens in Jeopardy of losing just their fifth game this season.

In the third, the Knights nearly completed a wild come-from-behind win, coming from six down to take the lead late, but the Ducks staved off defeat with a 25-23 decision to cut the set lead in half.

It ultimately proved to be the push Stevens needed, as they took the next two sets to hand Southern Virginia its first loss in five games.

Gehrig Tolman dished out 54 assists in the loss, a new career best and the second most for a match in program history, three shy of the all-time mark. Ward, Dastrup, and Forese combined for 53 kills, while Jason Wang collected five blocks.

Looking Ahead

The Knights will compete in two, key CVC matchups over the next two days. It could determine if Southern Virginia holds onto the conference's number one seed, and the right to host the CVC Tournament.

First, they'll face No. 18 Kean at 5:00 PM later today in Newark, New Jersey.

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightmvolleyball on Instagram.