Oct. 24, 2012 - The Concordia-Chicago volleyball team hosted its final home match of the season Wednesday night at Geiseman Gymnasium. Five Cougar student-athletes were honored in pregame Senior Night ceremonies, and those seniors played major roles in leading the Cougars to a 25-22, 25-14, 25-21 sweep of Alverno College on Northern Athletics Conference play.

In set one, Claire Mackey (Shelton, NE/Heartland Lutheran) helped the Cougars overcome some hitting and serving errors as well as a feisty effort by the Inferno. Mackey recorded six kills in 10 errorless chances, one of which halted a late 3-0 run by Alverno.

The Cougars put together their best hitting of the night in set two, ringing up 11 kills with just one error in 22 tries (.455). Mackey and senior teammate Sarah Brendel (Hazelwood, MO/Hazelwood West) each recorded four kills.

Set three was tied 15-15 when Bianca Gordon's (Milwaukee, WI/Milwaukee Lutheran) kill gave Concordia the lead for good. Mackey added three more kills over the next few minutes as the Cougars took a 20-16 lead and wrapped up the match over the next few minutes.

Mackey led all players in the final stats with 16 kills in 40 chances and a .400 attack percentage. Brendel finished with a season-high 11 kills and a .250. Among the other seniors, Cheryl Robaczewski (Schiller Park, IL/East Leyden) recorded four kills and a .333 attack. Libero Sarah James (Riverside, IL/Riverside-Brookfield) increased her team lead in aces by serving up five more while adding a team-high nine digs. Alisha Suvada (Chicago, IL/Regina Dominican) played solid defense in the back with three digs and several successful serve receptions.

The Cougars (5-17, 3-9 NAC) will close out the 2012 season this weekend with four matches at the Benedictine University Invitational.