CINCINATTI, Ohio - The Benedictine University men's volleyball team opened a weekend of road conference clashes with a three-set loss to the 14th-ranked College of Mount St. Joseph on Friday night.

Benedictine grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the opening set but could not hold onto the momentum. The hosts scored eight-of-10 points to break open a close beginning to the set and win 25-13. Eric Tarnow opened the second with a kill, but Mount St. Joseph ripped off three straight and did not trail again, winning 25-16. A kill from Dan Gibadlo tied the third set at 2-2. Benedictine held a 6-5 edge as the hosts struggled serving but settled in to pull away late for a 25-16 decision.

Mount St. Joseph (15-8, 8-3) hit .463 for the match. Tarnow paced Benedictine with five kills and added a pair of solo blocks. Ian Thompson led the defense with five digs.

Benedictine (6-13, 3-7 MCVL) continues the weekend trip at Fontbonne on Saturday afternoon.