Sept. 10, 2011 - The Cougar volleyball team overcame two disappointing performances from Friday night to post wins over Aurora University and Marian University in day two of the North Park Tournament. The wins do not count in the standings as Northern Athletics Conference wins, but they put the Cougars at 3-5 for the season.
The win over Aurora was closely contested, going down to the final point before Concordia won in five (25-23, 23-25, 25-16, 22-25, 15-13). Three Cougars recorded double-digit kills - Sarah Potter (New Haven, IN/Woodlan) led the way with 13, followed by Bianca Gordon (Milwaukee, WI/Milwaukee Lutheran) and Claire Mackey (Shelton, NE/Heartland Lutheran) with 12 each. Gordon and Rachel Cooper (Roscoe, IL/Hononegah) provided strong play at the net, each recording two solo blocks and five block assists.
Concordia and Marian engaged in more close sets, although the Cougars were able to dispatch the Sabres in three (25-20, 25-17, 26-24). The hitting of Mackey and Potter was even more potent in this match as Mackey struck for 15 kills (.371) and Potter for 14 (.286). Freshman Savanna Ashbaugh (Waverly, Il/H.S.) ran the offense effectively with 22 assists while Maryl Pinotti (Evergreen Park, IL/H.S.) provided defensive support with 22 digs.
The Cougars will open Northern Athletics Conference play Tuesday night when they host Dominican University.
