Contact: Nathan Cameron, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications, 563-588-7243

Apr. 6, 2021 - Riding high off of a three set sweep over then-ranked No. 10 North Central College on Apr. 3 and a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Offensive Player of the Week in sophomore Dorian Fiorenza, the Loras College men's volleyball team (9-5, 8-4 CCIW) continued their monumental success this season receiving votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Rankings. The honor comes as a first in program history under first-year head coach Dylan Ross '18.

After a stunning victory over then-ranked No. 10 North Central College, the Duhawks garnered attention in the CCIW and on the national front from the AVCA. Fiorenza, a sophomore outside hitter from Plainfield, Ill., notched an impressive 14 kills against the Cardinals and added nine more in a midweek match on the road against Illinois Wesleyan University, helping the Duhawks to back-to-back three set sweeps. Over the two game stretch, Fiorenza bolstered a .343 hitting percentage with 23 kills and three aces at the service line for the Duhawks. 

To Ross, this first season at the helm of the program has been about coming together as a family and building chemistry off the court that translates to success on the court. 

"I couldn't be more proud of the perseverance this team has showed this year with all the hurdles we've had to jump to get to this point. Each day we wake up and ask ourselves how we can be better than the day before, and this team has shown that every time they put on a Loras uniform", said Ross.

Due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines set forth by the CCIW, the Duhawks were forced to withdraw from the upcoming CCIW Men's Volleyball Tournament. 

The Duhawks conclude their season tied for second in the regular season standings with a 9-5 overall record, going 8-4 in CCIW competition.