ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings men's volleyball team fell to the No. 4 Carthage Firebirds on Saturday in three sets with set scores of 25-21, 25-22, and 25-20. 

In the first set, Augie grabbed the early advantage after a 5-2 run and stretched the gap to as many as four following a block from Ben Schultz and Ryan Huntington. Carthage got within one after two consecutive points and found this difference two more times until evening the game at 16 apiece. The Firebirds snatched the upper hand on the following play, but the Vikings hung around and drew even additional three times. The Firebirds closed the first set with a 4-1 run to take the first set by four points. 

Both teams went back and forth with rallies to begin the second set until consecutive kills and a service ace made a 7-4 advantage for Augustana. Carthage followed with three consecutive points to even the score at seven apiece and later pulled away with a lead of as many as five. Three consecutive points from the Vikings brought them back within one at 18-17, but it was not enough as the visitors squeaked out the second with a final score of 25-22.

In the third set, the two teams traded points until Augie grabbed the lead after four straight to make an 11-7 score. Augie remained out in front at 15-14 before grabbing four consecutive scores from the Firebirds gave them the lead. Carthage maintained its cushion for the remainder of the set to win by five points. 

As a team, Augie hit .281 percent, while their opponent hit .458. Cole Clarke led the team with 14 kills, while Colin Schaefer notched 33 assists and 11 digs. 

With the loss, the Vikings move to 10-9 on the season and 0-5 in conference play. The team will be back in action next Saturday, March 15 to battle Illinois Wesleyan in the Carver Center.