FOND DU LAC, Wis. – In a back-and-forth battle that stretched to the limit, Marian University secured a thrilling five-set victory over Illinois Tech (25-18, 21-25, 25-23, 22-25, 18-16) at Sadoff Gym on Saturday afternoon. The win moves Marian to 11-12 overall and 4-4 in NACC play, while Illinois Tech drops to 9-14 overall and 4-4 in conference action.
 
How it Happened
Marian set the tone early, hitting .345 in the opening set to claim a 25-18 win. Illinois Tech responded in the second, capitalizing on Marian's attack errors to even the match at 1-1. Illinois Tech found success with strong net play and aggressive serving, disrupting Marian's rhythm.
The third set was a tight contest, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Marian managed to string together a late run to edge out a 25-23 victory. Illinois Tech's blocking continued to be a factor, but Marian's ability to execute in transition proved crucial.
In the fourth set, Illinois Tech came out with renewed energy, hitting an impressive .500. Their offensive efficiency, led by Raul Matos and Maximo Dowling, kept Marian on the defensive. Illinois Tech built a lead midway through the set, forcing Marian into multiple attack errors. The Sabers attempted a late surge, narrowing the gap to 23-20. However, a crucial kill by Raul Matos and a Marian attack error sealed the set for Illinois Tech, forcing a decisive fifth frame.
The final frame was a battle of momentum swings. Illinois Tech jumped out to an early 3-0 lead behind kills from Paul Henderson and Colten Farrell. Marian responded with a 5-1 run. The teams continued to trade points, with Illinois Tech earning match points at 15-14 and 16-15. Marian, however, held firm, fending off both chances with clutch plays. At 16-16, as, Giancarlo Bou  added his 42^nd and 43^rd assist of the match helping Marian claim a 18-16 win in the fifth set.
 
Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Maximo Dowling: 18 kills, 3 blocks
• Paul Henderson: 17 kills, 9 digs
• Raul Matos: 7 kills, 14 digs
• Elijah Johnson: 38 assists, 1 ace
• Alec Donald: 19 digs, 4 assists
• Colten Farrell: 6 blocks

Marian Standouts

• Isaac Dreifuerst: 18 kills, 3 aces
• Aaron Velasco: 16 kills, 22 digs
• Javean Velasco: 13 kills, 2 blocks
• Giancarlo Bou: 43 assists, 13 digs
• Trent Goo Sun: 14 digs, 18 assists
• Carter Shogren: 3 blocks

 
Inside The Boxscore

• Marian held the edge in kills (72-55) and assists (67-51), 
• Illinois Tech outblocked Marian 10-4
• Illinois Tech's .500 hitting percentage in the fourth set was their strongest offensive performance of the match.
• The hitting percentages were nearly identical, with Illinois Tech at .215 and Marian at .214.
• The match featured 17 ties and multiple lead changes, particularly in the decisive fifth set.

 
Up Next
Illinois Tech will aim to regroup in their next NACC contest, facing Concordia Chicago at home on Tuesday, March 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the Keating Sports Center