THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The St. John Fisher College men's volleyball team fell to hosts California Lutheran University in the Cal-Lu-Fornia Classic on Wednesday night in straight sets. With the loss, the Cardinals fall to 16-5 overall, while the Kingsmen improve to 5-7 overall.

Fisher, who is receiving votes in the latest AVCA Coaches' Poll, recorded 26 kills in the three set match as well as 13 blocks and two service aces.

Cal Lutheran was able to take advantage of some early momentum in the first set, as the Kingsmen jumped out to an 18-13 lead.

However, Fisher was able to battled its way back to within two as kills from Andres Ramirez and Mike Strumpfler followed by a service ace from Martin Hackford pushed the score to 19-21. From there, Cal Lutheran rattled off the next four points to earn the first set victory.

Back-and-forth action started off the second set as both teams battled until the scoreboard read 12-13 in favor of the Kingsmen.

From there, Cal Lutheran was able to maintain a lead throughout the remainder of the second set, despite a late comeback bid led by Paul Hackford at the service line.

The Cardinals jumped out to an early 7-3 lead in the third set as Matt Broderick notched two quick kills. As the third set continued, Fisher continued to hold a lead until the scoreboard showed 14-13 following a service ace from Kevin Cahill.

However, the Kingsmen fought their way back as the teams continued to trade points, eventually leading to a 22-22 deadlock. In the end, Cal Lutheran pulled together a 3-1 scoring run to finish off the set as well as the match.

Ramierez led the way offensively for the Cardinals with seven kills and Strumpfler added five kills and six blocks. Paul Hackford finished the match with 24 assists, while Josh Bigford and Matt Broderick led the way defensively with seven digs apiece.

Fisher returns to action on Friday at 7 p.m. when it takes on Johnson & Wales in its second matchup of the Cal-Lu-fornia Classic in Thousand Oaks, California.