The Aurora University men's volleyball team notched their first victory of the 2021 season on Tuesday night in Thornton Gymnasium, defeating the visiting Millikin University Big Blue 3-0.

THE BASICS
MATCH SCORE: Aurora University 3, Millikin University 0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-19)
LOCATION: Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-2; Millikin University 0-1

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Spartans got off to a slow start in the opening set, forcing Head Coach Dan Ames to call a timeout as AU trailed 10-7.
- Coming out of the timeout, the Spartans went to work and took a 13-11 lead with James Karwin at the service line.
- Service errors played a big part in the opening set as AU won 25-20.
- With the second set tied 10-10, the Spartans finished the set on a 15-5 run and won 25-15 and took a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
- Finishing in the second half of the set continued for AU in the third set.
- With the set tied 15-15, back to back kills from Timothy Breiter and James Karwin got the Spartans rolling.
- AU won the third set 25-19 and the match 3-0.

SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Kills: Emmanuel Chaidez, Timothy Breiter and Thomas Kovanic (8)
Assists: James Karwin (23)
Blocks: Thomas Kovanic (3)
Digs: James Karwin (6)

UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's volleyball team comes on Thursday, February 18 when they host Concordia University Chicago. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. on Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium.