The Aurora University men's volleyball team opened the 2022 season on Saturday afternoon and evening with a tri-match. AU dropped the opener 3-1 to Judson before knocking off Trine University 3-0 in the night cap.


MATCH ONE SCORE: Judson University 3, Aurora University 1 (22-25, 19-25, 13-25)
MATCH TWO SCORE: Aurora University 3, Trine University 0 (22-25, 19-25, 13-25)
LOCATION: Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-1


MATCH ONE: 
- The Spartans came out strong in the first set but an early run from Judson with some unforced AU errors led to a 25-15 first set loss.
- The second set saw a much better AU performance as the Spartans pulled away for a 25-20 win. 
- Lucas Meier and Thomas Kovanic each had four kills in the set win.
- Both the third and fourth sets were well played and close contests with Judson getting some key late points for the wins 25-22 and 25-21.

MATCH TWO:
- AU rebounded from the opening match defeat and stormed out quickly against Trine.
- Kovanic led six Spartans scorers with four kills in the 25-18 win.
- The Spartan dominance continued in the second set with a large lead opening up for the hosts.
- Seven different Spartans picked up a kill and John McCormack assisted on a James Karwin kill.
- The third set saw AU take the foot off the pedal some and Trine took advantage.
- AU trailed for a good portion of the third set bu rallied back to win 26-24.
- James Karwin put the match to bed with an ace for the 26th and final Spartan point.


MATCH ONE:
Kills: Thomas Kovanic (14)
Assists: James Karwin (39)
Blocks: John McCormack (8)
Digs: Alex Nonhoff (10)

MATCH TWO:
Kills: Thomas Kovanic (10)
Assists: James Karwin (34)
Blocks: Austin Bayner (6)
Digs: Nathan Anderson (7)


Next action for the Spartan men's volleyball team comes on Wednesday, January 26 when they travel to Trinity Christian College for an exhibition match. Match time is set for 7:00 p.m. in Palos Heights, Illinois. Read Full Article