The Aurora University men's volleyball team hit the road on Wednesday night for a top-10 matchup at No. 2 Carthage College. The Spartans battled through four competitive sets but ultimately fell 3–1 at Tarble Arena.


MATCH ONE SCORE:No. 2 Carthage 3, No. 10 Aurora University 1 (18-25, 18-25, 25-21, 21-25)
LOCATION: Kenosha, Wisconsin
RECORDS: Aurora University 2-1 overall


- AU fell behind early in the opening set as Carthage jumped out to a quick lead and maintained control throughout the frame.
- The Spartans were unable to close the gap late, dropping the first set by a score of 25-18.
- Carthage carried momentum into the second set, pulling away midway through the frame.
- Despite continued pressure from AU, the Firebirds closed out another 25-18 win to take a 2-0 match lead.
- AU responded in the third set with its strongest performance of the night.
- The Spartans controlled the tempo offensively, hitting .400 as a team in the frame.
- Balanced attacking and improved defense helped AU secure a 25-21 third-set victory to extend the match.
- Momentum carried into the fourth set as the Spartans battled Carthage point-for-point early.
- The Firebirds were able to create separation late in the set and held off AU down the stretch.
- Carthage closed out the fourth set 25-21 to earn the 3-1 match victory.
- Connor Carroll and SJ Nelson led the Spartans offensively, each finishing with 11 kills.
- Josh McLellan added 11 kills, highlighted by a .857 hitting percentage in the fourth set.
- Ammar Brzovic chipped in 11 kills for AU, while Luke Dwyer paced the offense with 19 assists.
- Defensively, the Spartans totaled 44 digs, led by SJ Nelson in the back row.
- Solomon Dail provided a spark at the net as Aurora finished with two total team blocks.


Kills: Josh McLellan, Connor Carroll, SJ Nelson and Ammar Brzovic (11)
Assists: Luke Dwyer (19)
Blocks: Solomon Dail (2)
Digs: SJ Nelson (11)


Next action for the Spartan men's volleyball team comes on Saturday, January 31 when they travel to Loras College. Opening serve is slated for 3:00 p.m. in Dubuque, Iowa.