SYLVANIA, Ohio (LourdesAthletics.com) – The Lourdes University men's volleyball team outlasted Bethel University (Ind.) in a five-set battle on Saturday afternoon inside the Russell J. Ebeid Rec Center, securing a 25-20, 18-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-8 victory to improve to 5-5 overall and 3-2 in WHAC play.

Jaber Badarne turned in a dominant offensive performance, leading the Gray Wolves with a career-high 29 kills while hitting .397. Vinicius Lopez added 15 kills, and Joey Bianco contributed five while also distributing a season-high 45 assists in the win. Lourdes finished with a slight edge in hitting percentage, posting a .255 clip compared to Bethel's .254.

Defensively, Brayden Moyars anchored the back row with a match-high 21 digs, his third straight match with at least 15. Bianco added 10 digs for a double-double, while Lopez tallied nine. At the net, Bianco recorded four blocks, followed by Ben Palma with three.

The Gray Wolves started strong, hitting .300 in the opening set to take control early. After Bethel responded in set two with a .310 hitting percentage, Lourdes regained momentum in the third, hitting .353 to claim a 2-1 advantage. The Pilots forced a decisive fifth set, but Lourdes dominated the final frame, hitting .417 while holding Bethel to just three kills.

Lourdes' balanced attack continues to be a strength, as the team has now posted at least three players with nine or more kills in four straight matches. Bianco's playmaking remains a key factor, as he recorded 30-plus assists for the fifth consecutive match.

Up Next:
Lourdes remains at home on Tuesday, Feb. 25, as the Gray Wolves welcome Siena Heights to the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center for another WHAC matchup. First serve is set for 7 p.m.