RIVER FOREST, Ill. – Dominican University's third-ranked men's volleyball program downed No. 9 North Central College in five sets in the First Round of the NCAA Division III Men's Volleyball Championships on Friday in Kenosha.
 
The Stars came out firing on all cylinders, winning the first two sets by scores of 25-13 and 25-23, respectively, to gain a 2-0 match advantage. NCC fought back to win sets three and four, setting the stage for the second five-set meeting between the two sides this season. This time, DU had the final say, avenging its sole defeat, by outlasting the Cardinals 15-13 in the fifth. 
 
Trey Cowan and George Kougan both totaled 19 kills a piece to lead the offensive effort. Jacob Bush joined his teammates in double-digits with 10 kills at a blistering .533 clip. Jack McGuire dished out 56 assists, adding six total blocks and nine digs. Both Kougan and Cowan were in double-digits in digs, racking up double-doubles. 
 
Defensively, DU tied a program-record with 18.0 total blocks led by Mat Molloy's nine total blocks. Danny Pacini anchored the effort behind the net presence with 18 digs and zero reception errors. 
 
DU faces off with host-Carthage at 6 p.m. inside Tarble Arena on Saturday, April 16. Links to live coverage are available via dustars.com.