On Sunday, February 23rd, the Ducks played their first tournament of the spring season at Siena College in Albany, NY. The tournament was round robin style with 4 teams in their pool consisting of Stevens, RPI, Marist, and University of New Haven. The ducks, with only 7 players for the day and no setter, knew they had a challenging series of games ahead.
 
The Ducks started their day against RPI. With no coach and no setter, this game was used as an adjustment for people playing new positions. Middle Ashley Junker, started the day strong with 5 kills and 2 blocks. Outside Aditi Patel had 6 kills, 1 block, and 3 digs. The ducks ultimately struggled in this first match of the day and fell to RPI 14-25 and 17-25.
 
Next the ducks faced Marist (16-25, 21-25.) The ducks started to get in a groove during this match, putting Zoe Katsikiotis at setter and starting to get consistent sets. She had 9 assists and 2 kills. Outside Lauren Kibalo had 4 kills and 3 digs.
 
Finally, the ducks competed against UNH (19-25, 24-26) which proved to be the most competitive match of the day, which they ultimately lost. Libero Kira Chmielewski had 5 digs and 2 assists and Middle Sam Bryan had 6 blocks and 4 kills. Opposite and Captain Sophia Zahran had 3 kills and 1 dig.
 
The Ducks fought hard at their first tournament of the season with a limited roster. As the day went on, the plays became more consistent and fast and the team showed true chemistry and energy throughout the day despite the outcomes. Stevens travels to Springfield College on March 1st for another tournament, and with a setter, hopefully some wins.