LANSING, Mich.--Cumberland Men's Bowling dropped its opening-round match at the NAIA National Championship, falling 2-0 to No. 6 seed and reigning national champion Marian (Ind.).

The Phoenix faced a familiar opponent in the Knights, who Cumberland faced in last year's opening round. Marian carried that momentum into this year's matchup, taking the first set 1100-918 before edging out a tight second set 1067-1060 to secure the sweep.

Despite the loss, Cumberland remains alive in the tournament but now must win out to advance to keep their title hope alive. The Phoenix will take on No. 12 Saint Francis. St. Francis won their first round match against St. Xavier (Ill.) before they lost in the second round to Lawrence Tech (Mich.).

With a win, Cumberland will advance on to face the winner of No. 3 SCAD-Savannah and No. 10 St. Xavier.