CHICAGO, Ill. -- North Park University men's volleyball fell in straight sets to ninth-ranked California Lutheran University on Thursday evening at Carlson Gymnasium. The Kingsmen claimed the match by scores of 25-17, 25-15, and 25-21.
Cal Lutheran controlled the early portions of the match, hitting .417 in the opening set while building a steady lead and closing on a late run. The Kingsmen followed with their most decisive set in the second, using a strong service run to put North Park on the defensive and limiting the Vikings to a negative attacking percentage.
North Park responded with its most consistent stretch of the night in the third set. The Vikings played even with Cal Lutheran for much of the frame, producing their highest point total of the match. The score was tied at 14-14 before Cal Lutheran pulled ahead behind efficient late attacks and closed the match without allowing another North Park rally.
North Park totaled 23 kills on the night, with senior outside Adekunle Adebayo leading the way at eight kills on a .375 hitting percentage. Senior middle blocker Jonah Johnsamson added six kills and a service ace, while Jan Dragan finished with four kills.
Cal Lutheran posted a .355 team hitting percentage and was led by Tyler Linville with seven kills. Brendan Hom recorded six kills and four aces, and Garrett Ream ran the offense with 15 assists as the Kingsmen improved to 7-1 on the season. North Park slipped to 1-4.
Top Performers
North Park
Cal Lutheran
- Tyler Linville — 7 kills
- Brendan Hom — 6 kills, 4 service aces
- Garrett Ream — 5 kills, 15 assists
What's Next?
North Park heads to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a pair of matches on Saturday, January 31. The Vikings first face Wittenberg University at 1:00 PM CT before facing host MSOE at 4:00 PM.
