ROCK ISLAND – The Augustana men's volleyball team opened their home slate against the St. Ambrose Fighting Bees on Tuesday, winning 3-1 by set scores of 25-22, 19-25, 25-21, 29-27.

The cross-river rivals battled closely in the opening set, but with the score at an 8-7 mark, Augie produced a 7-2 scoring run to gain a plus-six advantage. St. Ambrose responded with a 7-3 burst to cut the deficit to just two, but the Vikings closed the frame on a 7-4 run to claim the set 25-22. The Fighting Bees embarked on a four-point run to take a slim lead in the second frame, breaking a 5-5 stalemate. Augie answered with a three-point spree to bring the deficit to within one. A 10-3 surge from St. Ambrose midway through the game proved to be the difference maker as they pulled away for the 25-19 win. 

In the third set, Augie fell behind 8-5 early, but returned with five consecutive scores to take the lead at 10-8. They maintained their advantage for the remainder of the set, winning 25-21. St. Ambrose started the lengthy fourth frame up four, maintaining their edge until the Vikings leveled the game at 10 points apiece. With the game tied at 21 all, five ties and three lead changes followed before Augie seized control with back-to-back kills to win the set 29-27. 

The Vikings recorded 59 kills across Tuesday's match, hitting at a .268 percent clip on their attempts. Zach Moreano shined in the win, recording a season-high 22 kills in the contest, trailed by Aidan Bolen, who earned 14. Augie was led in assists by Matthew Degnan, tying a career best with 46. Max Sellers anchored a balanced defensive effort with a team-high nine digs. 

Augustana improves to 6-3 with the victory. The team will be back in action on Thursday, February 16 when they face the Rockford Regents at home. Start time is scheduled for 7 p.m. from the Carver Center.