MIAMI, FL - Merrimack College men's volleyball fought to the very end in a 3-2 loss against #4 seeded Tusculum.

Dallas Birkenbeuel powered his way to 18 kills, eight of which all came in the first set. Birkenbeuel also chipped in three block assists.

Both Blake Taschner and Max Tkachev had double-double lines in the loss. Taschner with 12 kills and 14 digs, and Tkachev with 10 kills and 10 digs. 

Nick Tidik finished just shy of 10 kills with a total of nine on the day. He blocked a Warrior high four shots.

Reece Lindstrom tallied 43 assists, which brings his season total up over 600. 

Libero Kyle Standage led the Warriors in digs with 17.

Despite cutting their hunt for the IVA trophy short, the Warriors will face #6 UPR Rio Piedras on Friday.

The match will be played at 11 a.m.