DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - With just four games remaining in their inaugural season, the Duhawks are prepared to play their final home game on Saturday against Lakeland in MCVL action. Their weekend will conclude on the road in Milwaukee against the Raiders of MSOE.

ABOUT LAKELAND
The Muskies have had their fair share of highs and lows this season. Most recently, Lakeland earned a four-set victory over No. 3 Kean University. The win snapped a four-game losing skid, which included a five-set loss to MSOE.

Alec Redlich leads the MCVL with 325 kills, averaging 3.78 per set.  he's joined atop the MCVL leaderboard by Cole Aiazzi who leads the leage with 336 digs/3.54 per set. Matt Stolz and Tim Robbins join Redlich on the attack, both averaging more than two kills per set.

If the season ended today, Lakeland would earn the fourth and final spot into the MCVL Tournament. At 5-4 in league play, the Muskies have MSOE right on their heels ready to pounce on an opportunity to advance if one arises.

ABOUT MSOE
Meeting for the third time this season, the Duhawks and Raiders know each other well. In their last meeting, MSOE ran away with a 3-0 win, but each set was closely contested.

The Raiders are coming off a 3-0 sweep of No. 12 Dominican after dropping a four-set loss to New Paltz St. MSOE is led offensively by Nick Manning who leads his team with 321 kills. Manning's mark is just four behind Alec Redlich of Lakeland for first place in the MCVL. MSOE is well known for their aggressive serving which has resulted in a commanding lead in the stat column over their MCVL opponents.

Despite all the success that MSOE has had this season, they are chasing the fourth and final spot for a berth in the MCVL Tournament.

DUHAWKS HOPE THIRD TIMES THE CHARM
Sunday's contest against MSOE will be the third meeting between the two programs in 2015. Back in January, Loras pushed the Raiders to five sets but didn't quite have enough in the tank to pull out the win. The Raiders are fighting for a playoff spot in the upcoming MCVL Tournament and a win on Sunday for them could go a long way in overtaking Lakeland.

HONORING THEIR SENIORS
Saturday's contest against Lakeland will be the last at home for seniors Tyler Beauchamp and Michael Kreiser. While they've only had one season of men's volleyball, their contributions will be not go unnoticed.

ENDING SEASON ON A HIGH NOTE
With just four games remaining in their inaugural season, Loras will look to finish on a high note. Their play has significantly progressed over the course of the season as the team has grown accustomed to each other's playing styles and the coaching from Jeremy Thornburg. While the playoffs won't be in the picture for Loras this year, they have significantly take steps towards a strong future with what they have accomplished in year one.

DIVISION I IPFW TOO MUCH FOR THE DUHAWKS TO HANDLE
Returning to Fort Wayne, Indiana on the opposing side for the first time, head coach Jeremy Thornburg and the Duhawks fought the nationally-ranked Mastadons of IPFW. Thornburg's alma mater proved to be too balanced, and too much for the Duhawks to handle as they fell in straight sets. "A lot of these guys have three and half years of playing left," Thornburg said. "I think we can learn a lot from this experience going forward. By the time these freshmen are seniors, I hope this is something we all can look back and reflect on."

DUHAWKS NOTCH PROGRAMS FIRST WINS
Loras took full advantage of the opportunities in Friday's matches with NAIA opponents Trinity International and Calumet College of St. Joseph. The Duhawks jumped all over the Trojans, winning the first set 25-12. Loras used a season-best .339 kill percentage to oust the Trojans in four sets (3-1). After a short break, the Duhawks returned with energy and excitement against Calumet College of St. Joseph. Loras' energy and confidence was unmatched, fueling the Duhawks to the sweep of the Crimson Wave (3-0), to finish the Trinity International Triangular an unblemished 2-0.

COMBS NAMED CHAMPPION OF THE WEEK
Freshman middle Jimmy Combs earned Champpion of the Week honors for his play during the week of February 16-22. Fueling the Duhawks to their first two wins in program history, Combs hit a staggering .467 in five matches for the Duhawks. The Penfield, N.Y. native tallied 37 kills on 75 attacks while commiting just two errors. His play in the middle was highlighted by a near-perfect performance against Trinity International in which he tallied nine kills on 10 attacks without any errors. Combs added 16 blocks, six digs, six aces, and two assists to round out his stat line.