SYLVANIA, Ohio – The No. 8 - ranked Lourdes men's volleyball team (14-3, 9-1 in WHAC) defeated the Indiana Tech Warriors (8-6, 5-3 in WHAC) in a five set home battle, 24-26, 25-13, 25-22, 21-25, 15-8, on Tuesday evening.

The Gray Wolves remain one game back from Bethel (Ind.) in the conference standings and still have a real chance to win the conference title. Indiana Tech dropped to fourth place in the conference standings with the loss.

Entering the contest, Lourdes was ranked No. 8 nationally in the NAIA poll. Meanwhile, Indiana Tech entered the matchup riding a three-match conference winning streak.

Historically, Indiana Tech has held the edge in the WHAC rivalry, winning six of the last ten meetings between the two programs, adding additional weight to an already critical conference showdown.

1^st Set
The opening set immediately set the tone for a tightly contested match between Lourdes and Indiana Tech. Both teams traded points early, with senior outside hitter Jaber Badarne, sophomore outside hitter Felipe Tramontin, and senior setter Joey Bianco leading the offense for Lourdes. Nolan Bosley orchestrated Indiana Tech's attack efficiently from the setter position.

Midway through the set, the Warriors gained momentum behind kills from Logan Gieseke, Kristian Kold, and Zack Karns. Lourdes responded with key kills from Badarne and Tramontin, along with a crucial service ace that helped keep the score even late in the frame.

With the score tied at 24-24, the set came down to execution in the final rallies. Indiana Tech capitalized on a key block and a late Lourdes attack error to secure the set 26-24.

2^nd Set
Lourdes answered back with authority in the second set, establishing control from the start. Bianco set the tempo offensively, distributing efficiently to Badarne and Tramontin, who consistently found the floor. The Cincinnati, Ohio native led the team with 45 set assists in the match.

Midway through the set, Lourdes created separation thanks to aggressive serving and disciplined defense. A key service ace from junior libero Brayden Moyars helped extend the lead, while multiple Indiana Tech attack errors prevented the Warriors from building any sustained momentum.

Senior middle blocker Daniel De La Rosa added important swings during extended rallies, keeping Indiana Tech off balance. He ended the match with seven kills and three blocks. With steady execution and controlled play down the stretch, Lourdes closed the set decisively, 25-13, tying the match at one set apiece.

3^rd Set
Lourdes carried its momentum into the third set, building an early 7-0 advantage behind strong offensive production from Jaber Badarne and Felipe Tramontin, while Joey Bianco continued to control the tempo from the setter position. Badarne ended the match with 22 kills to lead all players. Tramontin was right behind him with 17 kills, along with a team-leading three service aces.

Senior middle blocker Ben Palma also had an impactful block during the opening run. He ended the match leading the team with five blocks, continuing his hot stretch at the net over the past few weeks.

Indiana Tech stayed within striking distance thanks to steady play from Nolan Bosley and Logan Gieseke, trimming the deficit midway through the set. A service ace from Bosley and several transition kills helped the Warriors apply pressure and cut the lead to just a few points late.

However, Lourdes responded at key moments. A clutch service ace from Brayden Moyars and timely swings from Daniel De La Rosa halted Indiana Tech's push. Moyars played a productive match with a team-leading 17 digs.

Despite a few late service errors, the Gray Wolves executed cleanly in the final rallies to close out the set 25-22. With the win, Lourdes moved ahead two sets to one, putting Indiana Tech in a must-win situation entering the fourth.

4^th Set
Facing elimination, Indiana Tech responded with urgency in the fourth set. The Warriors leaned heavily on Nolan Bosley's distribution, as Logan Gieseke and Owen Elliott delivered key attacks to build early momentum.

Another timely service ace from Tramontin briefly tied the score at 12-12. However, Indiana Tech's offense became more efficient as the set progressed, capitalizing on several Lourdes attack errors to create separation.

Despite multiple timeouts and substitutions in an attempt to shift momentum, the Gray Wolves could not regain control. Late kills from Gieseke and steady execution in transition allowed Indiana Tech to close the set 25-21. With the match tied at two sets apiece, everything would be decided in a decisive fifth set.

5^th Set
In the final fifth set, Lourdes took control when it mattered most. After a tight opening stretch, Jaber Badarne shifted the momentum with back-to-back service aces, giving Lourdes a crucial several point cushion midway through the set.

Joey Bianco continued to distribute efficiently, finding Badarne and De La Rosa in rhythm during key transition points.

Lourdes' serving pressure and timely blocks badly disrupted the Warriors' offense. A late Indiana Tech timeout couldn't slow the Gray Wolves' run, as Lourdes closed strong behind composed play at the net. Lourdes pulled away late and secured the 15-8 win to take the conference battle in five sets.

Stats
Lourdes and Indiana Tech were statistically very similar throughout the game. The two squads tied with 53 kills and 51 set assists. Indiana Tech held the slight advantage in digs (+4). Lourdes, however, held the advantage in blocks (+2), and service aces (+5).

Overall, the Gray Wolves demonstrated resilience, strategic execution, and the ability to perform under pressure, reinforcing their status as one of the nation's top teams. The atmosphere inside the gym was electric, with passionate supporters energizing the Gray Wolves and helping push them to a hard-fought victory.

Next Up
The Gray Wolves will continue their season against Indiana University – East next week on Tuesday, March 10. The match will be played on the road at 6pm.