Sept. 1, 2012 - The Concordia-Chicago Cougars looked to end their weekend trip to Texas with a victory over host Concordia University Austin. However, the Cougars came up short at the end of sets one and three, resulting in a three-set loss to the Tornados (25-21, 25-12, 25-23).
Kills by
Claire Mackey (Shelton, NE/Heartland Lutheran) and
Bianca Gordon (Milwaukee, WI/Milwaukee Lutheran) staked the Cougars to an early 4-1 lead in set one. But the Tornadoes stormed back and caught the Cougars at 9-9. Tied later at 12-12, three straight hitting errors by the Cougars put the hosts in control, and they took the opening set by four points.
Concordia Austin played their best ball in set two, hitting a solid .320 on 10 kills in 25 attempts. A 9-1 run midway through the set snapped a 9-9 tie, and the Tornadoes closed the set with a 6-0 run.
The Cougars fought back in set three with their best ball of the day. Mackey recorded six of CUC's 13 kills, and Gordon added a kill shot that put the Cougars up 23-22. But the hosts spoiled the comeback with the final three points of the match.
Mackey finished with 13 kills while Gordon added six kills and four blocks.
Jenna Boggs (South Beloit, IL/Hononegah) handed out 14 assists, and
Maryl Pinotti (Evergreen Park, IL/H.S.) paced the defensive effort with 11 digs.
Concordia (1-2) will continue non-conference play with a match at North Central College on Wednesday night.
