The Briar Cliff men's volleyball team fell for the first time in the 2020 season Friday afternoon with a 3-1 loss to Cardinal Stritch, which is receiving votes in the NAIA national poll. After taking set one 28-26, the Chargers dropped three straight, 25-14, 25-19, 25-20.

Riley Owen had a team-high 16 kills for Briar Cliff but committed 10 errors in the loss to go with four blocks. Setter Kyle Cox dished out 41 assists to go with five kills on seven attempts and no attack errors for a swinging percentage of .714. He was also the dig leader with nine.

The Cliff started set one down 8-1 to the Wolves before a comeback to tie the game at 14-all. With Cardinal Stritch in a game point opportunity at 24-23, Cox hammered home a free ball for a 24-24 tie. Cardinal Stritch had three more set point chances, but the Chargers managed to even the score each time and eventually came out on top with extra points. 

Ivan Trifunovic made his first appearance of the year for BC as he chipped in nine kills and Brandon Oswald added eight. Noah Marasco-Ayau had seven digs and Kimo Rosa took part in three blocks.

Matheus Andrade had 18 kills for Cardinal Stritch and Rowdy Martin gave out 54 assists. The Chargers move to 3-1 on the season and will play again Saturday at 2 p.m. against #4 Missouri Baptist.