SYLVANIA, Ohio (LourdesAthletics.com) -- The No. 3 Lourdes University men's volleyball team advanced to the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals following a commanding 3-0 sweep over No. 6 Siena Heights University in the quarterfinals on Tuesday evening at the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center. The Gray Wolves triumphed in straight sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21, to earn their spot in the next round of postseason play.

Lourdes came out strong in the first set, finishing with 12 kills on 24 attempts at a .375 hitting percentage. Jaber Badarne led the charge offensively, posting 12 kills, while Vinicius Lopes added 10 kills and three service aces. The Gray Wolves' defense also stepped up, with Ben Palma registering five blocks and Lopes contributing three.

Siena Heights remained competitive in the second and third sets, but Lourdes' offensive and defensive efforts proved too much for the Saints. In the second set, Lourdes secured a 25-20 win, registering 15 kills on 32 attempts, and finished off the match with a 25-21 victory in the third set.

The Gray Wolves finished the match with 39 kills, 8 aces, and 8 blocks. Siena Heights, meanwhile, totaled 31 kills, 1 ace, and 7 blocks. Lourdes' Joey Bianco led the offense with 32 assists, and Brayden Moyars posted a match-high 15 digs.

Up Next:
Lourdes will now travel to Southfield, Mich., to take on second-seeded Cornerstone University in the WHAC semifinals on Thursday, April 17, at 5 p.m. The winner of this match will move on to the championship game on Friday. Both the semifinals and finals will be hosted by the one-seeded Lawrence Tech University.