Steigerwald, the reigning three-time Empire 8 Player of the Year, started the 2021 season off strong, averaging 3.63 points and 3.47 digs per set, as the Cardinals took on Geneseo, Ithaca, Johns Hopkins and nationally-ranked Juniata. She opened the season by slamming 18 kills in a three-set win over Geneseo Wednesday. On Friday, Steigerwald had 21 digs, 13 kills and seven assists in a five-set win over Ithaca. She added 10 kills in back-to-back matches versus Johns Hopkins and Juniata.