V-Hawks lose 3-1 to St. Ambrose

By Katie Frohmader, Athletics Communications Intern

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo Men's Volleyball team (3-5) took the court at R.W. Beggs Sr. Gymnasium on Tuesday night to face conference opponent St. Ambrose University (4-9). The V-Hawks fell in four sets to the Fighting Bees, 25-19, 19-25, 17-25, and 23-25.

The V-Hawks started strong in set one, breaking out to a 4-0 lead, capped by a kill from Dane Kerkman (SO/Racine, Wis.). Viterbo was able to minimize the Fighting Bees runs, and maximize their own, pulling as far away six points late in the set, up 20-14. Two attack errors by St. Ambrose and a block by Brett Thompson (SR/West Salem, Wis.) and Kerkman sealed the set for the V-Hawks, 25-19.

Set two was neck-and-neck most of the way. Tied at 15, a V-Hawk service error gave the Fighting Bees all the momentum they needed near the end of the set. St. Ambrose went on a 10-4 run to finish out the game, winning 25-19.

St. Ambrose continued their momentum in set three, getting out to an early 12-2 lead. The V-Hawks were able to pull within four points after a Thompson kill, but the Bees were able to limit the damage, coasting to a 25-17 win.

In set four, the V-Hawks were able to start the match with a run of their own, outscoring St. Ambrose 5-1. Viterbo managed to keep their lead, stretching it to six points after a Bees attacking error. However, St. Ambrose called a timeout and collected themselves, outscoring the V-Hawks 13-5 to close out the set, 25-23.

Thompson had a strong overall night, leading the team with 20 kills while also contributing 10 digs and four blocks. Andrew Lepage (JR/Cross Plains, Wis.) dished out 32 assists, while Thomas Robson (JR/Middleton, Wis.) led the defense with 11 digs.

The Viterbo Men's Volleyball Team will be on the road this weekend, traveling to Chicago on Friday to face (RV) Trinity Christian College (6-3). First serve is scheduled for 7 pm. Follow the action on our website or by following us on social media.