CHICAGO, Ill. - The Lawrence Technological University men's volleyball team found their first win of the season against Robert Morris University (Ill.) in a 3-1 decision on Thursday, December 16th.  

Finding their rhythm, the Blue Devils (3-1) started off strong versus the Eagles (0-1) in their first set, which they won 25-20. While the first ten points from either team were tense, eventually, LTU capitalized on several attack errors made by RMU. Then, a quick kill by Austin Cinci got them a lead 14-11. Patrick Newell, set up by Landon King and Jake Rajewski from Jacob Paige got two kills in a row to extend the lead even further. Securing that magic 25th point was from a service error from the Eagles.

The second set saw the Blue Devils dominate more on the defensive side, limiting the Eagles to only 17 points, including being up 15-8 early on. However, a series of errors and a kill from the Eagles brought them within three. Yet, a strong series that started off an error from RMU brought the momentum to the Blue Devils, who went on to secure the set. Patrick Newell and Cinci each grabbed four kills in this set.

The third set the Blue Devils let off the gas, with the Eagles showing their last ditch effort to not be taken away in three sets, limited the Blue Devils to only 14 points. However, it came down to the last half of the fourth set for the Blue Devils to take the win. Being up 17-15, the Blue Devils took a service ace and a kill by Cinci to go up with more cushion to push on in hopes to grab the win. Then, another error point came their way before RMU scored a point to make it 20-17. However, RMU battled back, getting within one point with a score of 22-21. Despite this, Landon King made a kill, which was quickly followed by Cinci. After a timeout from the Eagles, Rajewski sealed the deal with a final kill to give LTU their first win of the season.

Leading LTU in their win was the kills by Austin Cinci, with Jewett right behind him with eight and Newell with 7. Rajewski and Paige grabbed 11 digs on the night. Jewett led the night in block assists with five while Cinci led the team with three solo blocks.

Up next, Lawrence Tech travels to Lourdes to face the Graywolves on Wednesday, January 22nd where the first set begins at 7:00 p.m..