RIVER FOREST, Ill. - Marian University men's volleyball (5-10, 0-5 NACC) fell to No. 6 Dominican to open a four-match road stretch in four sets; 27-25, 20-25, 25-17 and 25-21.

The Sabre offense started strong with 13 kills in the first set and 14 kills in the second as MU split the opening pair of sets with the Stars.  The opening set was back-and-forth from start to finish where the Sabres couldn't convert a set-point opportunity only to see Dominican rattle off three consecutive points to take the set.

Marian then jumped out to a 14-7 advantage to open the second set courtesy of a 6-2 run and were able to hold that lead all the way out to the finish.

The final two sets, however, saw the Dominican defense hold the Marian offense in check as the Sabres could only combine for a .091 hitting percentage in the third and fourth sets.  

Juniors Jon Smallpage and Joey Dittman each had double-doubles with Smallpage recording 10 kills and 10 digs, while Dittman had 12 digs and 35 assists.  Senior Aaron Wendels led the squad with a match-high 19 kills, while junior Cullen Liberski led the Sabre back row with a team-high 16 digs.

Marian next travels to No. 2 Carthage for a 7 p.m. match tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 24.

--FightBlueFight--