DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - Following their season opening loss to Lindenwood-Belleville, the Duhawks return to the court for a Triangular at Benedictine University on Wednesday where they will face the hosts as well as MSOE.

ABOUT BENEDICTINE ...
Similar to the Duhawks, Benedictine is experiencing their first season as a program this year. While the Eagles are members of the MCVL, Wednesday's contest will be considered a non-conference match. The teams will meet two additional times this season.

Sterling Glover has arose as a leader for this program after two games. With a .179 attack percentage and averaging 3.38 kills per set, Sterling will attrack the attention of Loras' blocking schemes.

Markus Riemer is the primary setter for the Eagles, averaging 9.00 assists per set, accounting for 94 percent of his team's total.

ABOUT MSOE ...
Unlike Loras and Benedictine, MSOE enters their third year as a program. The Raiders enter Wednesday's Triangular with a 1-1 record, falling to Benedictine and defeating Cardinal Stritch (NAIA).

Nick Manning and Neil Naughton lead the Raiders on offense, combining for 7.33 kills per game. Defensively, MSOE showcases a balanced core with four players currently standing a double-digit digs.

In their season opener, MSOE hit .299 against Cardinal Stritch.

FIRST ONE UNDER THEIR BELTS …
Friday, January 16 will serve as a night that many involved with the men's volleyball program will remember for a long time. In front of 584 fans, Loras hosted their first men's volleyball game in school history. Despite falling 3-1 to Lindenwood-Belleville, the Duhawks were competitive from the opening serve.

Senior Michael Kreiser led Loras with a double-double effort, finishing with 19 kills and 10 digs. Freshman Blair Anderson, in his first collegiate game, turned in 16 digs, leading his team.

NOT THE ONLY NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK …
A look at Loras' 2015 schedule reveals three other programs that are in their first year. Benedictine University, Trinity International University, and Calumet College of St. Joseph are all fielding men's volleyball teams for the first time in 2015.

Calumet once fielded a men's volleyball program, but it was dissolved after the 2007 season.

FOLLOW THE DUHAWKS THIS SEASON …
Be sure to keep tabs on everything Loras College Men's Volleyball by following the team on Twitter (@LorasMensVB and @LorasAthletics) over the course of their inaugural season. In game updates, post-game infographics, game recaps, and everyday updates can be found through their Twitter. #WelcomeMVB is the official hashtag of Friday'season opener as Loras Athletics welcomes the official start of it's 23rd intercollegiate athletic program.

LORAS SET TO COMPETE IN THE MCVL …
Shortly after the announcement that men's volleyball would become the 23rd sport offered at Loras College, chatter of a men's volleyball conference intensified. A few months later, the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League was formed. With teams spread out across the midwest, the Duhawks are one of eight members in the conference's first year. An announcement earlier this fall stated the league would expand to 14 teams as early as next year with addition of several schools. With the league topping double-digits, next season will feature two divisions. This season the Duhawks will tack on the miles, playing games in five different states.

THORNBURG EAGER FOR OPPORTUNITY AT THE HELM …
Thornburg is a graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) in Fort Wayne, Ind. As an undergraduate student and following his studies at IPFW, Thornburg served as a student assistant and team manager under American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame head coach Arnie Ball. In 2006 and 2007, the IPFW Mastodons reached the Final Four, finishing as national runners-up in 2007.
 
"I am extremely humbled, honored, and excited to be named the first Head Men's Volleyball coach of Loras College," Thornburg said. "From the first moment I spoke with Bob [Quinn], I knew that Loras College was a special place and somewhere that I wanted to be."

CRYSTAL CLEAR HIGH-DEFINITION …
Thanks in large part to a generous donation, the Duhawk Broadcast Network brings you live streaming of all home events in high-definition. Fans can catch the action at duhawks.com/live for all home matches and find information for away matches at duhawks.com.