DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras College Men's Volleyball team returned to the Athletic & Wellness Center for the first time since their historic season opener three weeks ago. Hosting the Stars of Dominican the Duhawks eyed a unblemished start to Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League play. Career-highs by freshmen TJ Esporas (12 kills) and Shayne Marquez (19 assists) were not enough to lift the Duhawks over the Stars as they fell 3-0 (25-16, 25-10, 25-21).

Dominican (1-3, 1-0) bolted out of the gates to take an 8-2 lead, forcing Loras (0-6, 0-1) Head Coach Jeremy Thornburg to take a timeout. 

Out of the pause in play, the Duhawks cut into the Stars lead but were unable to come any closer than five as Dominican took the set 25-16.

With kills from freshmen Jimmy Combs and TJ Esporas, the Duhawks played even with the Stars in the second set. As their strong start faded, Dominican took advantage, building a 9-3 lead. Looking to slow the Stars and swing momentum back in favor of the Duhawks, Thornburg called a timeout.

As the Duhawks chipped away at the deficit, momentum continued to build for Dominican. Back-to-back points by the Duhawks, capped by a kill from Esporas, seemed to right the ship. Unfortunately, miscues down the stretch kept Loras from getting any closer as Dominican closed the set on a 10-1 run.

Trailing the Stars 2-0 in the match, the Duhawks took control in the early goings of set three. A play after Dominican took their first lead of the set, senior Michael Kreiser crushed a ball for the kill. 

From their the teams traded points, playing through five ties, before eventually falling even at 12.

Four straight points by the Stars put them in front 16-12, bringing about a Loras timeout. 

Moments after taking a minute to settle down, the Duhawks returned to the court. A late push brought Loras within three late but Dominican answered, as the Duhawks fell 25-21. 

Game Changer

The Stars held a 10.5 to three advantage in blocks, keeping the Duhawks from getting in a rhythm on attack

Key Stat

Loras mustered 31 kills against the Dominican defense, while the Stars tallied 43 on the night

Notables

• Freshman TJ Esporas recorded a career-high and team-best 12 kills
• Freshman Shayne Marquez recorded a career-high and team-best 19 assists
• Freshman Dylan Ross hit a team-high .417, tallying six kills 

Next Up

The Duhawks continue their three-game homestand next Saturday, February 14, when they host the Redmen of Carthage in conference action. The match is set to start at 7:30 p.m.