Columbus, Ohio – Pacific men's volleyball was back in action on Friday, Jan. 27 at the Ken and Dave Dunlap Invitational to take on defending national champion Ohio State. Despite taking the first set, the Tigers fell to the Buckeyes (19-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-21). Leading Pacific was senior Florian Gornik with 16 kills, and junior Christian Ahlin who recorded six blocks. The loss dropped Pacific to 3-4, and improved Ohio State to 6-3.

The Tigers jumped out to an early 14-6 set one advantage, including taking the first four points of the game. The hot start was enough for Pacific as the squad cruised to the 25-19 opening set win. Leading the Tigers was junior setter Patrick Tunnell with 15 of his 45 assists coming in the first frame, while Gornik added a team-high four kills. Sophomore Javier Caceres added five of his team-leading 12 digs in the set. Junior Taylor Hughes, Ahlin and sophomore Adam Troy collected three kills for the game. Tunnell and Daley each added a block solo in the game win.

The second set was knotted at 19 before Ohio State rallied for two straight winners, and after trading points; the Buckeyes were able to win the set 25-20. Leading Pacific in the second frame was Hughes with four kills. Tunnell added another 11 assists in the game.

 The third frame remained close, but the Tigers could not fully comeback after trailing early 4-1. Pacific fell to the Buckeyes in the third set 25-18 despite another double-digit assist performance from Tunnell, and Gornik's four kills.

Pacific could not rally in the final set after falling behind 16-12. Hughes led Pacific in the last frame, and finished the match with 12 kills, while hitting .323.

Leading the Buckeyes was Shawn Sangrey with 26 kills, while John Tholen recorded five blocks.

Up Next for the Tigers is a contest against No. 8 Penn State to conclude the Ken and Dave Dunlap Invitational. The match will begin at 2 p.m. PST.