DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras men's volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Dominican on Friday night inside the Athletic & Wellness Center (25-16, 29-27, 25-11). Sophomore
Austin Kuchenbecker delivered a standout performance from his middle-hitter position, registering seven kills, two blocks and a .500 attack percentage.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set One
- The Duhawks opened the game with an 8-7 advantage following a kill from sophomore Greg Kinney, continuing to feel the momentum left over from a dramatic five-set victory on Wednesday night over Marian.
- As the set progressed, however, the Stars began to turn the momentum in their favor, using a 6-2 run to take a 17-13 lead, prompting a timeout from head coach Jeremy Thornburg.
- Dominican continued to stretch its advantage, eventually taking set one, 25-16.
Set Two
- The Stars picked up right where they left off to end set one, racing out to an 8-4 lead to force an early Loras timeout.
- The Duhawks showed renewed energy for the rest of the frame after the break in action, using an 8-4 run of their own to go ahead, 19-17.
- Both sides continued to trade points and the match required bonus volleyball to decide the victor.
- Dominican fended off set point and claimed set two with a service ace from Alex Coyne, 29-27.
Set Three
- The final frame started in the same back-and-forth fashion as the previous, with sophomore Alfredo Lopez hammering a kill to tie the score at 6-all.
- At this juncture, however, the Stars' offense found its rhythm, using a 19-5 run to finish off the match in straight sets.
NOTABLES
- The Duhawks fall to 5-6 and 3-5 in the MCVL Western Division and are currently in fifth place
- Kuchenbecker recorded his second .500-plus outing of the season when registering at least 10 attempts
FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Austin Kuchenbecker | The sophomore from Muskego, Wis. had a banner-night at the net, racking up seven kills, two blocks, one solo, and a .500 attack percentage in three sets.
UP NEXT
The Duhawks have the rest of the weekend off from varsity competition and continue MCVL play on Wednesday at Lakeland. The Muskies are 6-5 overall and 3-2 in the MCVL after defeating Wittenberg on Friday, 3-0. First serve from Woltzen Gymnasium is scheduled for 7 p.m.
