The Aurora University men's volleyball team dropped two matches at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, on Saturday to a pair of top 10 ranked opponents.


MATCH ONE: #9 Messiah University 3, #rv Aurora University 1 (21-25, 25-22, 18-25, 21-25)
MATCH TWO: #4 Juniata College 3, #rv Aurora University 1 (20-25, 15-25, 25-18, 19-25) 
LOCATION: Pam Evans Smith Arena, Springfield, Ohio
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-4


MATCH ONE
- The Spartans came out strong to start the first set and a kill from Austin Bayner tied the score 8-8
- A Messiah run would lead to a 25-21 first set defeat but the Spartans fought and had the score within two multiple times.
- AU would win the second set 25-22 with two James Karwin aces late playing a prominent role in the set victory.
- The Spartans trailed for the entire third and fell 25-18.
- In the fourth set, the Spartans and Messiah went back and forth before a Matthew Nelson kill gave AU a 19-18 lead.
- AU would be bit by the attack error down the stretch and fell 25-21.

MATCH TWO
- AU jumped out quickly to a 5-3 lead in the first set but unforced errors would lead to a 25-20 Juniata first set win.
- The second set saw Juniata pull away and defeat AU 25-15.
- The Spartans controlled the third set from the opening point, winning 25-18.
- Matthew Nelson had six kills in the third set victory.
- Nelson continued his strong play in the fourth set with five kills but AU would fall 25-19 and lose the match 3-1.



Kills: Matthew Nelson (24) and Adam Gebala (14)
Assists: James Karwin (58)
Blocks: John McCormack (4)
Digs: Alex Nonhoff (24)
Aces: James Karwin (8)


Next action for the Spartan men's volleyball team comes on Friday, February 3 when they host North Park University. Opening serve is slated for 7:00 p.m. in Thornton Gymnasium.