Precision and Power Net Road Win for Cougar Volleyball

Sept. 19, 2012 - The hitting problems that had plagued the Concordia Cougar volleyball matches over the last four matches were nowhere to be found this evening at Rockford College's Seaver Gymnasium. Instead, the Cougars recorded a season-best .365 hitting attack with career nights by three players to earn a 28-26, 25-10, 25-27, 25-18 win over Rockford College.

The Cougars came out swinging behind an outstanding first set by middle blocker Bianca Gordon (Milwaukee, WI/Milwaukee Lutheran). Gordon ripped the Regents' defense for seven kills in nine attempts. Her seventh kill gave the Cougars a 24-23 lead, but the Regents were able to fight off game points three straight times. Finally, consecutive kills by Kristin Allen (Green Valley, IL/Illini Central) and Sarah Brendel (Hazelwood, MO/Hazelwood West) gave Concordia the opening-set victory.

In set two, Concordia torched Rockford with a .516 attack. Senior Claire Mackey (Shelton, NE/Heartland Lutheran) led the way this time with eight kills against one error in 13 tries (.538). The Cougars grabbed a quick 6-1 lead and controlled set two from start to finish. Jenna Boggs (South Beloit, IL/Hononegah) served the final four points including an ace for the 25th point.

Concordia's attack fell off to a .156 in set three, enabling Rockford to get back within 2-1. Nicole Lawler recorded six kills and 12 digs to pace the Regents.

Rockford put together their best offense of the night (.306) in set four, but Concordia had more than enough to withstand the charge. Bianca Gordon repeated her seven-kill effort from set one, backed by Allen's four kills (.333). Tied at 9-9, the two ignited a 9-3 run to put the Cougars in firm control of the match.

The Cougar hitters with career-high numbers included Mackey (21 kills, .294), Gordon (20, .593) and Allen (14, .268). Savanna Ashbaugh (Waverly, IL/H.S.) handed out 41 assists, followed by Boggs' 13. Sarah James (Riverside, IL/Riverside-Brookfield) paced the defense with 23 digs.

Concordia (2-5, 1-2 NAC) will play four matches at Ripon College this weekend, beginning with Friday's pair against St. Norbert College and Marian University.