FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Key points down the stretch was the difference as the Sacred Heart University men's volleyball team hosted Purdue Fort Wayne on Friday. The Mastodons won the big points and prevailed 3-1 (25-21, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21).
Records:
Sacred Heart: 3-1
Purdue Fort Wayne: 5-4
 
Top Performers:
Patrick Mucherino (SHU): 17 kills, 3 blocks
Ife Loverton (SHU): 9 kills, 4 blocks
Carlos Santa Cruz (SHU): 8 kills, 3 blocks
 
Up Next:
The Pioneers open EIVA action Friday against Saint Francis at 7 p.m.
 
Of Note:
SHU was down 18-2 in the opening frame, but worked its way back into the set. Aaron Peterson's kill cut the lead got 23-20 before Purdue Fort Wayne closed out the set.
 
The Pioneers staved out match point in set three before Patrick Mucherino ripped off three-straight kills to win the set and force a fourth set.
 
Each team went on big runs in set four. Mucherino's killed made it 20-20, but the Pioneers would only score one point the rest of the match.  
 
The Mastodons' accuracy was the difference as the visitor hit .241 to the Pioneers' .165. Purdue Fort Wayne also had the margin in aces (11-6) and digs (43-35).
 
Mucherino topped all players with 17 kills as he set his career-high for the fourth match in a row. Ife Loverton was next with nine kills and Carlos Santa Cruz chipped in eight. Sophomore Mark Berry had a career-high 12 digs.