New York, NY - The Hawks had their toughest opponent on their schedule in the #3 Ducks of the Stevens Institute of Technology earlier this evening. Overpowered from the start, the Purple and Gold dropped straight sets, 25-28, 25-12 and 25-17 as they slip to 0-3 on the year. 

The team managed just 19 kills on the evening after taking 84 swings. David Lou was Hunter's high kill earner with seven while Gabe Mendoza and Sherrod Cole combined for seven kills. Cooper Moran tallied 19 assists while Chris Scandole earned a game-high 11 digs.

In the first set, Hunter hung tough and went toe-to-toe with their opponents, swapping the lead multiple times and even going ahead at the 17-16 mark. However, the Ducks unleashed a devastating seven unanswered points and closed the set on a 9-2 run to take the early 1-0 lead. 

Opening the second, Stevens began with a 6-1 run but it did not seem to phase the Hawks. With help from opposition errors and a kill from Ted Kim, Hunter found themselves down by just two. But once again, the Ducks went on a late tear, rattling off another seven unanswered points late to power through to the final point and take a 2-0 lead. 

In what proved to be the final set, it was a similar story; Hunter was able to match the visitors up until the latter stage but it was Stevens who flexed their offensive muscles down the stretch to cap the 3-0 affair.

The Hawks look to erase a three-game skid when they take to the court once again on Tuesday, February 15 when they host the Golden Eagles of St. Joseph's College of Long Island. First serve is slated for a 6pm start.