Springfield, OH -- Wittenberg Men's Volleyball hosted the first NCAC Showdown with Wabash and Hiram men's volleyball teams. The Tigers fell to Hiram 3-1 (20-25, 25-18, 23-25, 15-25) and swept Wabash 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-19). The Red and White put up a good fight agaisnt the Terriers, senior Russ Burke had 14 kills, five assists and eight digs while junior Dominic Melchiorre had 15 kills with 40 attempts and eight digs. The Tigers had an overall kill percentage of .252 and 41 digs, improving their defensive game. 

Carrying into the second match of the day, the Tigers focused their energy on the offense, tallying 99 kill attempts with 38 successful, 11 from Melchiorre and 10 from Burke. Impacting the offense was freshman Jack Boone who had 9 kills with 23 attempts and three serving aces. Graduate Aaron Giorgi collected 31 of the 36 total assists, three kills and four digs while Burke nad Melchiorre had 12 digs a piece. 

In this inaugural competition, the all-tournament team was named: from Hiram, seniors Andrew Diaz de Padilla, Tom Supan and Kilvio Montero. From Wabash, freshman Will Beikes and sophomore Ricky Sessions. From the Tigers, graduate Aaron Giorgi and senior Russ Burke.

The Tigers will be back on the road in their next match as they travel to Fontbonne University in St. ouis, Missouri taking on the Griffins Friday, February, 18 at 8:00 p.m.