ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Augustana Vikings men's volleyball team dropped a CCIW matchup to Carthage in straight sets Saturday afternoon inside the Carver PE Center, falling 25–20, 25–12, 30–28.

Augustana stayed within reach through much of the opening set. The Vikings traded points with the Firebirds early and kept the score tight midway through the frame behind several swings from Aidan Bolen and Cole Clarke. Carthage eventually created separation late and closed the set 25–20.

The Firebirds controlled the second set from the start, putting together an early scoring run that gave them a comfortable lead. Augustana was unable to cut into the margin as Carthage continued to add points and secured the set 25–12 to take a two-set advantage.

The Vikings responded with their strongest stretch of the afternoon in the third. Augustana matched Carthage point for point and pushed the set beyond regulation after fighting off multiple match points. Bolen and Clarke again led the offense during the late rally, helping the Vikings extend the frame into extra points before Carthage narrowly finished the match with a 30–28 win.

Bolen led Augustana with 11 kills, and Clarke chipped in six. Tom Lamb, Ryan Huntington, and Alexander Sulewski each contributed three kills. Colin Schaefer finished with 25 assists and 10 digs. Huntington added seven digs, and Gavan Moua recorded six.

The loss moves the Vikings to 8–5 overall and 2–2 in conference play. Augustana will return to action on Wednesday, March 11, when the Vikings travel to Illinois Wesleyan. That match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.