MADISON, Wis. – Men's Volleyball continued their season-opening homestand at the Todd Wehr Edgedome Tuesday evening. They faced off with the Loras Duhawks, ranked #14 in the latest AVCA Division III poll. The Duhawks (2-0) and Eagles (0-3) exchanged haymakers, but a late surge sent Loras home with a 3-1 (14-25, 26-24, 27-25, 25-17) victory.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Edgewood University started the match red hot, a 9-2 run fueling a dominant first set. They recorded 10 kills and one error while outhitting the Duhawks .490 to -.107.
 
- After the squads were tied 8-8, the Eagles ground down their visitors on a 10-6 stretch to hold a 18-14 advantage late. After three unanswered pushed Edgewood University to 22-17, Loras roared to life on a 9-2 burst to flip the script and even the match.
 
- A 6-1 run fueled by relentless offense and smothering defense had the Eagles soaring to a 11-6 lead in set three. The Duhawks earned momentum back with the help of their service game as a 7-1 rally pushed them ahead 17-16. Edgewood University would force extra points on a 3-1 stretch, but Loras struck back with a 3-1 response of their own to earn the lead in the match.
 
- The Duhawks surged to the finish, kicking off the fourth set on a 12-4 explosion and never looking back. They outhit the Eagles .367-to-.107 in the deciding set as they earned a well-fought victory.
 
- While Edgewood University outhit Loras .248-to-.165, the Duhawks flew high off of their service game with nine aces.
 
- Bo Brainerd III excelled for the visitors, hitting 11 kills on 13 swings for a .769 hitting percentage. He also posted five blocks.
 
- Connor Jaral and Roman Rothermel tallied 12 kills apiece. Jaral also had a match-high three aces.
 
- Oakley Griggs and Cade Schueller swung well with 13 kills apiece. They each had three blocks as well.
 
- Ethan Hoffert continued his strong start as the Eagles setter with 35 assists and a pair of aces.
 
- Owen Hartjes and Jack Mullane anchored the defense with five blocks and 13 digs respectively.
 
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Hoffert has posted 35 or more assists in two of three matches this season.
 
- Hartjes is third in the NACC with 1.11 blocks per set. Mullane is tied for first in the league with 3.20 digs per set.
 
UP NEXT
Edgewood University will wrap up its four-match homestand Thursday evening at the Todd Wehr Edgedome. They'll host North Park with first serve scheduled for 7:00 p.m.