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A freshman came through for Lindenwood in the biggest moments to help the team earn its biggest win of the season.
Opposite Ian Schuller in the decisive fifth game had two aces and a game-high four kills as Lindenwood defeated Lewis 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 20-25, 15-12 on Friday in Romeoville, Illinois.
Lindenwood and Lewis were tied at 5-5 in the final game before the Lions went on a 4-0 run that featured both of Schuler’s aces. In addition, Schuller had a kill to cap off a late-game 3-1 that helped the Lions secure its second victory against the Flyers since 2014.
Schuller finished with a match-high 16 kills and was one of three Lions to have double-digit kills. Outside attacker Clay Wieter added 14 kills, while outside attacker AJ Lewis had 10 kills on a .318 attack percentage.
Lewis also led all players with four aces, and Schuler contributed three aces. The Lions ended with a season-high 11 aces – five more aces than the Flyers.
Despite the Flyers having a match-best .429 attack percentage in the final game, Lindenwood out-hit Lewis .234 to .197.
Outside attacker Max Roquet had a team-high 15 kills but was the only Lewis player to have double-digit kills.
Lindenwood out-blocked Lewis 15.5 to 8.5 with middle attacker Rodney Wallace having a match-high 10 blocks. Wieter and Schuller also each contributed four blocks to help Lindenwood (5-6, 3-1 MIVA) move within a half-match of first place in the MIVA.
Lewis (8-7, 2-2 MIVA) in the loss continued to utilize both setters Tyler Morgan and Kevin Kauling.
Kauling started the match, and both setters were utilized through the first three games. However, Morgan was inserted permanently at setter for the fourth and fifth games.