DUBUQUE, Iowa – The No. 12 Loras College men's volleyball team rallied from a 2–1 deficit to defeat the No. 20 Dominican University Stars in a five-set thriller on Sunday afternoon inside the Lillis Athletic and Wellness Center.

Dominican (8-2 overall, 1-0 NACC) struck first, edging the Duhawks 25–23 in the opening set behind a balanced offensive attack. Loras (11-1 overall, 0-0 CCIW) responded in the second frame, tightening up defensively and finding rhythm in transition to even the match with a 25–20 set two win.

The Stars reclaimed momentum in the third set, pulling away late for a 25–21 decision to take a 2–1 lead. Facing elimination, Loras delivered one of its strongest stretches of the afternoon in the fourth. The Duhawks capitalized on key service runs and timely swings to secure a 25–22 win and force a decisive fifth set.

In the race to 15, Loras seized control early and never relinquished it. The Duhawks hit efficiently in the final frame and limited Dominican's scoring opportunities, closing out the match with a 15–10 victory to complete the comeback.

Roman Rothermel led Loras with 17 kills, while Bo Brainerd III added 16. Connor Jaral contributed on both sides of the ball, tallying 10 digs and three service aces.

Dominican was paced by Ty Geschke's match-high 22 kills, with Kendall Esparza adding 16. Landon Kassulke directed the offense with 59 assists, and Grant Henderson posted 13 digs.

Up Next: The Duhawks welcome the North Park University Vikings to Lillis Court on Saturday, Feb. 21 for their College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opener. First set is scheduled for 3 p.m.