Box Score FULTON, Mo. – The Augustana men's volleyball team stayed within striking distance throughout the afternoon against the Westminster Blue Jays but ultimately dropped a three-set decision (25-22, 27-25, 25-23).

Augustana came out aggressive in the opening set, getting production early from Alexander Sulewski and Aidan Bolen to build momentum. The Vikings remained in control for much of the frame, with Cole Clarke and Tom Lamb adding key points as the offense found rhythm. Late kills from Bolen and Adam Rosh kept Augustana within reach, but Westminster used a late push to close out the set, 25-22.

The Vikings answered right back in the second, trading points throughout in a tightly contested battle. Bryce Lawson provided a steady offensive presence, finishing with eight kills on a .353 hitting percentage, while Sulewski led the way with a team-high 10 kills and a .316 clip. Clarke added eight kills of his own, and Colin Schaefer paced the offense with 36 assists as Augustana fought to a 25-25 tie late. Westminster found the extra edge down the stretch, closing out the set with back-to-back points.

Augustana continued to apply pressure in the third, looking for an opening in the Blue Jay defense. Lawson, Clarke and Sulewski each delivered key swings, while Schaefer added a service ace during a late rally that brought the Vikings within three before a Westminster timeout. After a kill from Lamb and a service ace by Gavan Moua trimmed the deficit to 24-23, Westminster responded with the final point to secure the set and complete the sweep.

Sulewski led the Vikings with 12.5 points behind his 10 kills, while Clarke (nine points) and Lawson (8.5 points) provided balance across the front row. Lamb chipped in six kills, and Schaefer added seven digs to go along with his 36 assists in directing the Augustana offense. The loss drops Augustana to 8-9 on the year.

Augustana returns to action Saturday, March 21 with a pair of matches at Greenville University, facing Eureka at 1 p.m. before taking on host Greenville at 3 p.m.