DUBUQUE, Iowa - For the first time in program history, the No. 6 Loras College Duhawks defeated the No. 11 Carthage College Firebirds in a 3-0 sweep on Friday night inside the Lillis Athletic & Wellness Center.
The first set was back-and-forth as neither team was able to pull away. Loras (12-0 overall, 1-0 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) was able to utilize a 6-3 run to take a 17-14 lead late in the set. The Duhawks would hang onto their lead and win the set 25-20.
In set two, Loras held a 10-8 advantage early in the set. The Purple and Gold then went on a 6-2 run to take a commanding 18-12 lead. Carthage (7-5, 0-1) did not go away as they were able to cut the lead to four (22-18), but it was not enough as the Duhawks would go on to take the set 25-20.
In set three, Loras raced out to 6-2 lead. The Firebirds were able to come back and tie the match at 13, but an 8-3 run by Loras gave the Duhawks a 21-15 lead before the Purple and Gold closed out the set, 25-20, to complete the sweep.
Loras was led by
Dorian Fiorenza who had 14 kills.
Corey Mayotte finished with 12 kills and seven digs for the Duhawks, while
Joe Horn had 29 assists on the night. Carthage was led by Keegan Brumitt who had 13 kills, while Gene McNulty had 24 assists.
Up Next: The Duhawks will travel to Bloomington, Ill. to take on Illinois Wesleyan University on Wednesday Feb. 28. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.