Contact: Ben Nordman, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

Box Score

NAPERVILLE, ILL. (Feb. 11, 2020) - Rebounding from a slow start after splitting the first two sets, the North Central College men's volleyball team secured their fourth victory of the season against Lakeland University on Tuesday, taking the final two sets in dominating fashion, winning the match 3-1.

The Muskies (3-10) took advantage of the Cardinals coming out flat, keeping the first set close with the Cardinals finally prevailing 25-22 to take an early lead. North Central was not able to find their footing in the second set, only hitting 0.261 to Lakeland's 0.333 with the Muskies tying the contest at one set a piece.

Lakeland was able to take advantage of the momentum swing, getting off to a 5-1 start in the third set. A North Central timeout helped the Cardinals recoup, keeping the contest within four until the score stood 10-6. Following a Jared Moser kills from Matt Nealon, the Cardinals took the opportunity to get the momentum back on their side, going on a 6-0 run to lead by two. With the Muskies scrambling to find answers, the Cardinals did not trail for the rest of the set, finishing off the set on a 9-2 run.

With the ball now rolling in their favor, North Central took it to Lakeland, jumping out to an 11-3 lead in the fourth set. They did not let up the rest of the way, finishing off the Muskies by a 25-15 final set.

The Cardinals were led by an outstanding performance by Jason Eslinger, recording 16 kills, 17 digs, and six blocks, putting him first in digs, third in kills, and fourth in blocks in program history in a four-set match. Jared Moser also put on a show, racking up 13 kills while hitting 0.360 to continue a great start to his North Central career. Matt Nealon took a majority of the setting duties with 32 assists, while Michael Trunzo had 11.

The Cardinals move to 4-3 on the season as they look forward to a busy weekend, playing three matches over Friday and Saturday. They host Cal Lutheran on Friday, then travel to Millikin University to take on the Big Blue in their conference opener followed by a match against St. Norbert College. Click HERE to find more information about live stats and live video of each contest.