DUBUQUE, Iowa - Marian University men's volleyball (3-6, 2-3 MCVL) rallied after dropping the first two sets but fell to Loras in a five-set thriller with set scores of 25-19, 25-23, 15-25, 25-27 and 17-15.

After the match opened with a 14-13 Duhawk lead, Loras was able to go on a 9-2 run as they were able to cruise to a win in the first set.  The second set saw the Marian offense come to life a little more but a pair of Loras kills at the end gave the Duhawks a two-sets to none lead.

The Sabre offense then exploded in the third set hitting .545 with 14 kills to only two errors.  The Sabres were able to score eight unanswered points in the middle of the set as they were able to cruise to the set win.  

Marian continued to dominate on offense in the fourth where they had a match-high 18 kills hitting .286.  Despite the strong offense, Loras was able to rally with a late 9-4 run that gave the Duhawks a match-point opportunity.  A service error allowed the Sabres a second life and kills from sophomores Joey Dittman and Jon Smallpage sent the match into a fifth set.

The largest lead of the final set would only be three when Loras opened with a 4-1 advantage, but from there neither side grew a lead larger than two.  The Duhawks led 11-9 in the set before a Marian timeout prompted a quick 5-2 run that gave the Sabres a match-point opportunity at 15-14.  This time it was Loras who was able to rally and scored three consecutive points to close out the match.

Four Sabres reached double-digit kills led by Smallpage who had a match-high 19.  In the middle, sophomore Jon Sattersten chipped in 15 kills, while hitting .440 in the match with four total blocks.  Fellow sophomore Joey Dittman assisted 52 Marian kills with 11 digs for a double-double.

Marian returns home to host North Central Friday, Feb. 17 for a 7 p.m. first serve.