Chicago, Il., -- The Vikings hosted the #10 Loras College Duhawks for a CCIW match on Saturday afternoon at Carlson Gymnasium. Despite neck-and-neck battles in all three sets, North Park wasn't able to overcome the Duhawks, falling in straight sets (18-25, 23-25, 16-25).

Loras jumped out to an early lead in the opening frame, utilizing an efficient attack to put pressure on the Viking defense. North Park saw offensive contributions from Isaac Vroom and Josiah Walker, while Gino Hamoy worked to distribute the ball.  The Vikings were in the mix down 16-14 midway through, but the Duhawks closed out the match with a 9-4 run claiming a 25-18 victory.  The second set was a defensive showcase that saw both teams trade blows until the final point. North Park found its stride mid-set, with Giovanni Serafini and Hamoy teaming up for a key block to ignite the home crowd; Serafini ended the afternoon leading the Vikings in total blocks with 1 solo and 2 assisted, all coming in the second frame.  The Vikings eventually built a 23-19 lead following a kill by Vroom, but Loras responded with a late 6-0 surge. Driven by the serving of Bo Brainerd III and multiple kills from Anthony Schwarz, the Duhawks erased the deficit to steal the set 25-23.  Loras carried their momentum into the third frame but the Vikings kept the score close early, tying the game at 7-7 behind a kill from Adekunle Adebayo and a block by Jonah Johnsamson.  North Park was down 13-12 before Loras closed the set on a 12-4 run to secure the 25-16 win.

The Vikings have just two games remaining as they prepare to host #20 Illinois Wesleyan on Wednesday, April 1st in their last home game of the season.  The match is set to begin at 7pm.