Jan. 28, 2004

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - For the first time since the 2000 season, Lewis lost a men's volleyball match to IPFW. The Mastodons (3-1, 1-0 Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) played harder and appeared to want it more than the Flyers and the result was a 37-35, 30-25, 29-31, 31-29 defeat of the defending national champions.

Lewis (2-5, 0-1 MIVA) showed the grit that has become a staple for the team as it overcame a 29-27 deficit and came away with the game 3 victory. The Flyers scored four straight points to win the game. Jeff Soler and Greg Pochopien teamed up for a block that tied the game at 29-all before Fabiano Barreto pounded a kill for a 30-29 lead. Pochopien and Barreto combined for a block that ended the game.

The Flyers appeared poised to send the match to a decisive fifth game as it held a 29-25 lead in game 4. However, Lewis could not deliver the crucial side out and IPFW returned the favor Lewis dealt in game 3. Six unanswered points won the game and match for the Mastodons. Mike Daiga and Matt Zbyszewski teamed for the match-winning block.

Daiga posted a match-high eight block assists, while Zbyszewski had a match-high 26 kills.

Barreto led Lewis with 23 kills and added six digs. Enrique Escalante was the team's most potent offensive weapon as the 6-6 middle blocker amassed 18 kills and hit a team-best .536.

Setter Brandon Sisk passed out 55 assists, while contributing team highs in blocks (four) and digs (nine). Jeff Soler chipped in 10 kills and nine digs.

Lewis has two more conference matches this weekend as the team hosts Mercyhurst Friday, January 31 at 7 p.m. and The Ohio State Sunday, February 1 at 2 p.m.