ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings men's volleyball team was defeated at home by the No. 15 Loras Duhawks on Tuesday, falling by a score of 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-19) from inside the Carver Center.
 
The Duhawks were in control for most of the opening set, growing their advantage up to eight as they tallied their 15th point. The margin grew to double digits five scores later for Loras and Augie was unable to pose any comeback threat. The Duhawks led 1-0 in the match following a 25-16 opening game victory.
 
Set two was much tighter as neither team saw a lead go above two until Augustana posted a 13-10 advantage. The Duhawks answered with seven of the next eight to take control of the set. The two teams traded points and Loras maintained their 2-3-point advantage for several rallies until pushing it to five at 23-18. The Vikings charged back with four straight to bring it to a one-point margin, but just fell short at a final score of 25-23 to put the Duhawks up 2-0 in the match.
 
Loras quickly doubled up Augie in set three with eight of the first 12 points and hovered around a five-point margin for a good portion of the game. The Vikings inched closer, cutting the deficit to three at 16-13, but the Duhawks maintained their cushion and eventually locked up the set and match with a 25-19.
 
Aiden Bond led the offensive efforts for Augustana, finishing with a team-high eight kills. Aidan Bolen added six.
 
With the loss, the Vikings drop to 5-8 on the year and 1-2 in CCIW action. The team will be back in action on Saturday, February 26 when they visit No. 4 ranked North Central. Start time is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. from Naperville, Ill.