FULLERTON, Calif. – Dakota Hunter (Jr.-Waukesha, Wis.) tied a career-high with 19 kills and the Lakeland University men's volleyball team got off to a good start before losing to Hope International (Calif.) University in four sets in the Muskies' final match of their spring break trip Monday night.

Lakeland won the first set before Hope International came back for a 21-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-15 victory in the first-ever match between the two schools. The loss to the NAIA member Royals means the Muskies closed out their California swing with a 1-4 record.

Hunter was outstanding with a .500 attack percentage with 19 kills and just three errors in 32 attempts. He matched a career high he set earlier this season, but did so in 22 less attacks than the first time against Fontbonne (Mo.) University on Feb. 3.

The Muskies (8-15 overall) won the first set with a .452 hitting percentage as a team, but then spent much of the rest of the match playing catchup.

Hope International (10-9 overall) got out to an early lead in the second set and then finished strong after Lakeland came back to tie at 10-10 and again at 11-11. The Muskies also trailed most of the third set, even as they came back to tie late at 19-19.

The Royals were tough on the attack with a .279 hitting percentage, even as Lakeland finished with nine team blocks. Daniel Bilinski (16 kills), Max Osmundson (15) and Nicolas Bilinski (10) all finished in double figures in kills.

Desmond Williams (Jr.-Riverside, Calif.) also added eight kills plus six blocks (one solo, five assisted). Lakeland as a team finished the match hitting .142 with 47 kills and 28 errors.

J.T. Levitt (Jr.-Schaumburg, Ill.) finished with 16 digs to lead the back row defense, while Hunter also added 11 digs. Addison Mertler (Jr.-Boca Raton, Fla.) finished with 21 assists and two service aces and Cameron Ekum (Fr.-Wales, Wis.) also posed 19 assists and 10 digs.

Lakeland returns to play next Wednesday, March 21 when it welcomes Milwaukee School of Engineering for a home match at 7 p.m. at the Moose & Dona Woltzen Gymnasium.