Marian University men’s volleyball (1-0, 0-0 NACC) defeated Olivet to open up its 2024 campaign in four sets 25-11, 21-25, 25-21, 25-20.

• Marian jumped out to a quick 5-1 lead before Olivet brought the score within one at 5-4.
• The Sabres were able to get out to a commanding 15-6 lead behind a 10-2 run. 
• Marian kept its foot on the gas and would not let Olivet gain any traction with a 10-5 run to close out set one. 
• The two teams would trade points at the beginning of set two with an even draw at 7-7 and 9-9.  
• Olivet would take its first lead of the evening behind a 5-1 run to force a Sabre timeout at 14-10.
• Marian gained some momentum but the Comets were able to withstand the Sabres short 4-3 run with a slim 8-7 advantage to take set two.
• Set three saw much of the same as set two with both teams trading points with Marian holding the slight 8-6 advantage.
• The back and fourth trend continued with an even score of 12-12 before the Sabres forced an Olivet timeout behind a 5-1 run. 
• The Comets would make things interesting by bringing the set to within one behind a 7-3 run but the Sabres held on to take set three.
• It was Olivet in the fourth set who would jump out to a quick lead behind a 5-2 run and would hold the lead until the Sabres jumped out in front at 12-11.
• The Sabres used an 8-4 run to extend its lead to five at 20-15 which proved to be the deciding number with Marian closing out the set and the match 25-20.

• Both offenses had a strong day as Olivet held the 43-38 advantage in kills but the Sabres were more efficient with a .234 hitting percentage to the Comets .132.
• The Sabre defense was strong as Marian held the 8-6 advantage in blocks and 39-36 advantage in digs. 
• Marian also held the advantage in aces 5-3 and forced 28 Olivet attacking errors. 

	Senior Derek Wills recorded the first Sabre double-double of the season with 14 kills and 11 digs.
	Senior Marc Rey added seven kills on .500 hitting and led the Sabre defense with four blocks.
	Senior Nick Stasch orchestrated the Sabre offense with 28 assists.