ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings men's volleyball team was defeated in their season-opening match on Saturday from inside the Carver Center, falling in five sets to the visiting Clarke Pride by a score of 25-21, 19-25, 21-25, 26-24, 15-17.

The Vikings grabbed the early lead in the match following a four-point win in the opening game. Augie out-hit Clarke by five kills, led by three apiece from Garrett McNelis and Aiden Bond to help them to the 1-0 advantage. The Vikings closed the game winning four of the final five points.

Clarke went on to win the next two sets to gain control of the match with a 2-1 lead. In each of their wins, a late run helped them pull away for good, beginning in the second when they broke a 17-17 tie with eight of the next ten to seal the win and equalize the overall score. In game three, the teams found themselves tied late once again at 20-20. The Vikings managed to break the deadlock with a point, but the Pride answered with five unanswered to take the set and control of the match. Through three complete, Augie had a balanced attack in kills as Bond and Micah Reban each led the team with eight.

It was more of the same in set four, presenting another tie game late. This time, it was Augie who delivered in the clutch, bouncing back from match point at 24-23 with three straight to force a fifth and final deciding set. A kill by Bond, followed by two attack errors from the Pride made it 2-2 with a fifth game looming.

Augustana was in control for a majority of the fifth set, never trailing until the very end. The Vikings saw match point in their favor three times, leading 14-11 with just one left go, but the Pride charged back with four straight to grab their first lead in the game. Augie tied it up on the next play, but two more from the Pride clinched themselves the match with a 17-15 set five win.

Bond was one of two members to grab double-digit kills for the Vikings, leading the way with 14. McNelis snagged 13, while Max Sellers had 18 digs to spearhead the defensive efforts. As a team, the Vikings out-hit the Pride 56 kills to 42, but committed 40 attack errors and 25 service errors. 

With the loss, Augie falls to 0-1 on the season. The team will be back in action on Friday, January 28 when they host MSOE. Start time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. from inside the Carver Center.