An exciting non-conference match-up with the rival Eagles of Benedictine University was on tap for the Aurora University men's volleyball team on Friday night in Thornton Gymnasium. AU trailed 2-1 in the match and were down to match point in the fifth set before rallying and defeating the Eagles 3-2.

THE BASICS
MATCH SCORE: #rv Aurora University 3, #11 Benedictine University 2 (25-22, 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 16-14)
LOCATION: Aurora, Illinois - Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 5-0

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Spartans led early in the opening set 5-2 but the two teams would go point for point as the game would be tied 22-22 late.
- A BU attack error followed kills from Thomas Kovanic and Timothy Breiter to give AU the 25-22 set win.
- AU trailed early in the second set but rallied to tie the set 11-11.
- Several attack errors did in the Spartans down the stretch as they fell 25-20.
- The third set was unkind to the Spartans as well as they fell 25-19 and were a set away from defeat.
- An inspired group of Spartans came out in the fourth set and took the tempo to BU.
- Six serving aces, two a piece from Josh McKinstry, Emmanual Chaidez and Timothy Breiter aided in the Spartans 25-15 set win.
- With the match going to a winner take all fifth set, the loud crowd in Thornton Gymnasium would play a factor.
- The Spartans led 4-1 in the set before finding themselves facing match point at 14-10.
- An Austin Bayner kill got the Spartan rally started.
- That was followed by back to back BU hitting errors and the visitors were forced to call timeout as AU pulled within one at 14-13.
- Coming out of the timeout, the AU block game joined in on the fun.
- A block from Bayner and Justin Elliott tied the set 14-14 and on the next point, Bayner and Timothy Breiter gave AU a 15-14 lead with a block.
- Cade Harrison then served up an ace to give AU a 16-14 set win and a 3-2 match win over the rivals from Lisle.

SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Kills: Thomas Kovanic (13) and Jack Fischer (10)
Assists: James Karwin (45)
Blocks: Austin Bayner (6)
Digs: Thomas Kovanic (7)
Aces: Josh McKinstry, Emmanual Chaidez and Timothy Breiter (2)

UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's volleyball team comes on Friday, January 31 when they host Benedictine University. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. on Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium.