CHICAGO — The No. 3 Carthage men's volleyball team delivered a decisive road performance Wednesday night, sweeping North Park in straight sets. The Firebirds controlled the match from the opening serve, using efficient offense and steady defense to secure the victory away from home.

• Final Score: No. 3 Carthage 3 - North Park 0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-19)
• Location: Chicago, Illinois - Carlson Gymnasium
• Records: No. 3 Carthage 11-2 (2-0 CCIW), North Park 1-13 (0-2 CCIW)

• Carthage opened the match on a 10-3 run, highlighted by a kill from Hudson Sweitzer.
• A later kill by Ben Heise extended the margin to 16-9.
• Ryan Bartz teamed up for a block, and Erik Stover delivered an ace to seal the 25-12 set victory.
• The Firebirds built a 10-4 cushion in the second set behind an ace from Heise.
• Kills from Justin Ische and Sweitzer stretched the lead to 14-5, and Cooper Cantwell added a kill to make it 21-8.
• Ische finished the set with a kill as Carthage secured a 25-14 win.
• The third set remained tight until kills from Ische and Xzavion Willett put Carthage ahead by two.
• Stover followed with a kill, and Ische added an ace to give the Firebirds a 21-16 advantage.
• Willett and Stover recorded the final kills to clinch the 25-19 victory.

• Justin Ische totaled six kills in the match while Erik Stover had five. 
• Joe Kolwicz tallied three aces and 30 assists in the contest. 
• Devon O'Callaghan recorded nine digs. 

"I'm really proud of our group today. CCIW wins on the road are never easy, and we came in knowing the mission today. We battled as a unit and brought so much competitive fire. Our ability to jump out to a big lead to starts sets is impressive. And that begins with the leadership and dedication from this entire group.

I thought Devon O'Callaghan controlled serve reception great today. Cooper Cantwell made some great blocking moves, and Xzavion Willett brought some offensive fire for us. Justin Ische has been so impactful for this group. His energy, combined with his steady offense on the left pin, was impressive.

We have to quickly turn around to get ready for a top 10 match-up on Saturday! Come out and help us Defend Tarble at 3 pm!"

• The Firebirds return home playing No. 10 Loras on Saturday, February 28, at 3 p.m.