FOND DU LAC, Wis. - Lakeland University jumped out fast on Marian University men's volleyball (6-9, 3-5 MCVL) and defeated the Sabres in four sets with set scores of 25-18, 25-15, 23-25 and 25-18.

The Muskies were able to hit .407 in the first set and followed that up with a .481 hitting percentage in the second set as Lakeland was able to cruise to wins in the first two sets.

The third set opened as a seesaw battle with neither team able to hold a lead larger than two.  A quick two point spurt from Lakeland turned a Sabre lead into a Muskie lead at 20-19 late in the set, but the Sabres rallied scoring five of the next six points to take a 24-21 lead.  Lakeland would hold off the first pair of set point opportunities but the third time proved to be the charm as a kill from sophomore Ben Walter sent the match into a fourth set.

Walter led the way in the set with four kills off of five attacks along with two block assists at the net.

Lakeland jumped out to an early 7-5 lead in the fourth before they were able to extend their lead out to 14-8 with a 7-3 run.  The Muskies were able to hold on to this lead the remainder of the set and take the match in four sets.

Sophomore Cullen Liberski had a match-high 16 digs in the Sabre back row, while the trio of Walter, junior Aaron Wendels and sophomore Jon Smallpage each had nine kills to lead the offense.  Freshman Jacob DeGroot hit .333 for the match with six kills to only two errors on 12 attacks.

Marian is next in action Friday, March 3 when the Sabres travel to No. 8 Carthage for a 7 p.m. first serve.

--FightBlueFight--