The Aurora University men's volleyball team went serve for serve with the No. 6 ranked Eagles of Benedictine University, falling behind 2-0 before rallying back to force a winner take all fifth deciding set. AU fell 3-2 and 15-13 in the fifth.

THE BASICS
MATCH SCORE: #6 Benedictine University 3, Aurora University 2 (20-25, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21, 12-15)
LOCATION: Thornton Gymnasium - Aurora, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 4-5 overall and 3-2 in the NACC; Benedictine University 6-0 overall and 5-0 NACC

HOW IT HAPPENED
- AU dropped the opening set to Benedictine 25-20 with seven service errors being the factor in the opener.
- Both teams hit very well in the second set with AU trailing in the middle of the set before rallying to get within three at 21-18.
- AU would drop the set despite hitting .407, 25-20.
- The third set was back and forth with the score tied 15-15.
- A kill from Justin Elliott gave the Spartans their last lead of the contest with Thomas Kovanic finishing the 25-18 win with an ace.
- The Spartans rallied from down five points (13-8) in the fourth set and held on to a 25-23 win to force a winner take all fifth set.
- Emmanuel Chaidez had four kills while Timothy Breiter was three of four in his attacks in the fourth.
- AU made a valiant come back in the fifth set but fell just short as they never led, losing 15-12.

SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Kills: Justin Elliott and Timothy Breiter (14)
Assists: James Karwin (37)
Blocks: Timothy Breiter (4)
Aces: Thomas Kovanic (3)
Digs: Brandon Langys (12)

UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's volleyball team comes on Friday, March 12 when they are scheduled to travel to Edgewood College. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. in Madison, Wisconsin.