Chicago, Il., -- North Park University men's volleyball team faced a tough test on Saturday afternoon, dropping a three-set conference match to Augustana College at Carlson Gymnasium. Despite several flashes of offensive efficiency, the Vikings were unable to overcome the Vikings of Augustana, falling by scores of 16-25, 13-25, 15-25.  The loss moves North Park to 1-14 overall and 0-3 in CCIW play, while Augustana improves to 7-4 (2-1 CCIW).

The match began with North Park taking a quick 1-0 lead following an Augustana error, but the visitors responded with a 9-1 run to seize control of the opening frame.  Josiah Walker provided a spark for the NPU offense midway through the set, hammering down four kills to keep the Vikings within striking distance.  Jan Dragan added two kills of his own, but Augustana's ALexander Sulewski and Ryan Huntington and proved difficult to stop at the net, leading their team to a 25-16 set victory.

In the second set, Augustana jumped out to an immediate 3-0 lead. North Park found rhythm through Giovanni Serafini and Raphael de Sousa Macedo, who each recorded a kill to keep the score tight early. However, Augustana's Aidan Bolen ignited a mid-set surge with three kills, helping the visitors pull away. A late bright spot for North Park came from Jonah Johnsamson, who entered the service rotation and delivered back-to-back aces to cut into the lead before Augustana secured the set.

The third set was the most competitive of the afternoon early on. The Vikings traded points with Augustana, trailing just 9-7 following a block by Bobbyu Vaughn III.  Adekunle Adebayo was a force in the final set, leading NPU with three kills while Josiah Walker continued his efficient afternoon, adding three more kills to his total. Despite the effort, Augustana's defense tightened up at the net, recording five blocks in the set to stifle the NPU comeback and take the set 25-15.

North Park's next match is Wednesday, March 4th at 7pm at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.