The Aurora University men's volleyball team opened the 2020 season and gave Head Coach Dan Ames his first win at the helm of the Spartans as they defeated Trine University 3-1.

THE BASICS
MATCH SCORE: Aurora University 3, Trine University 1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-19, 25-14)
LOCATION: Aurora, Illinois - Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-0; Trine University 0-1\

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Spartans opened up a quick 4-0 lead in the opening set and went on to lead throughout before winning 25-18.
- As a team, AU hit .300 in the set with three kills apiece from Thomas Kovanic and Austin Bayner.
- AU trailed 8-4 in the second set and rallied to grab a 12-11 lead.
- The lead didn't hold up though as the Spartans dropped the set 25-23.
- Coming out of a preset motivational talk from Head Coach Dan Ames, the Spartans responded with an 8-0 lead to start the third.
- The Spartans got four kills from Thomas Kovanic with James Karwin at the service line.
- Seven Spartans collected a kill as AU won the third set 25-19.
- In the fourth set, the Spartans and Thunder battled when the turning point came midway through
- With AU leading 13-11, James Karwin stepped to the service line. Karwin served up four straight aces to give him five for the set.
- The Spartans went on to win the set 25-14 and the match 3-1.

SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Kills: Thomas Kovanic (13) and Austin Bayner (9)
Assists: James Karwin (36)
Blocks: Emmanuel Chaidez (6)
Digs: James Karwin (14)
Aces: James Karwin (5)

UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's volleyball team comes on Thursday, January 23 when they travel to North Central College. Opening serve is set for 7:00 p.m. in Naperville, Illinois.