The Aurora University men's volleyball team defeated Lakeland University in a non-conference match-up on Saturday afternoon in four exciting sets, 25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-20.

THE BASICS
MATCH SCORE: #rv Aurora University 3, Lakeland University 1 (25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-20)
LOCATION: Aurora, Illinois - Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 9-1

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The opening set was tight throughout as AU led by no more than four until late.
- AU led 18-17 before kills from Thomas Kovanic, Jack Fischer and Austin Bayner around a service ace from James Karwin pushed the Spartan lead to 23-17.
- The Spartans won the set 25-19 on a Muskie service error.
- AU jumped out quickly in the second set and led 7-4.
- From there on out in the set the Spartans struggled and would fall 25-17 in the set.
- Early in the third, the Spartans overcame a call that seemed to light a fire under the team to a 6-1 run.
- The Spartans went on to build a 19-10 lead but Lakeland would work their way back into the set late.
- Leading 23-20, AU scored the final two points coming out of a timeout to win 25-20 and lead the match 2-1.
- The fourth set was a back and forth contest early with AU leading 12-9 at the first Lakeland timeout.
- The Spartans would build the lead up to seven on a Thomas Kovanic kill (18-11).
- Lakeland rallied late but got no closer than three (21-18) as AU went on to win 25-20.
- The Spartans won the highly contested match 3-1.

SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Kills: Thomas Kovanic (15), Timothy Breiter and Austin Bayner (12)
Assists: James Karwin (40)
Digs: James Karwin (8), Jack Fischer and David Miechowicki (7)
Aces: James Karwin (3)

UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's volleyball team comes on Sunday, February 16 when they travel to take on California Lutheran University. Game time is set for 12:00 p.m. in Lisle, Illinois at Benedictine University.