October 1, 2016- Back-to-back matches in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference can be a challenge both mentally and physically. The Concordia University Chicago Cougars would close their back-to-back matches when they welcomed rival Concordia University Wisconsin to Geiseman Gymnasium. The Cougars put forth a spirited effort throughout the match, but would not be rewarded for their efforts, falling in straight sets. (17-25, 19-25, 19-25)
 
In set one, Austin Thompson stepped up right away with kills off the left side. The Falcons tried to inch away early in the set but two kills by Sarah Smith in the middle and a big swing by Jaylynn Johnson brought the Cougars back close. An ace by Arendia Ruiter helped to keep the Cougar offensive attack going and brought CUC within 9-8. The Falcons used their big offensive attack to extend the lead out to 15-9 forcing a Cougar timeout.  CUC tried to get the attack jumpstarted with a Smith kill but CUW was able to find the gaps in the Cougar defense with tough touch shots to take set one 25-17.

In set two, the Cougars came out with strong energy and kills by Thompson and Smith. Smith continued to play a strong middle for CUC with a block that gave the Cougars the 5-4 lead in the set. CUC continued to battle with the lead with a big kill by Johnson. CUW grabbed the lead out to 11-8 forcing a CUC timeout, but the Cougars quickly responded out of the timeout to get within one with kills by Johnson and Ruiter. Johnson continued to keep CUC searching to complete the comeback with an ace to keep CUC within one.  The Falcons battled to extend the lead, but the Cougars kept trying to work their way back even late in the set with a big dual block by Johnson and Burns.  CUW finally was able to put away CUC 25-19 in the second set.

In set three, CUC continued to show a spirited effort with a quick lead that was built with a big block by Smith and Shelby Spitz. The Cougars got within 5-4 with Smith's eighth kill of the match. CUW then began to get their offense rolling out to a 15-8 lead forcing a Cougar timeout.  CUC continued to put forth a formidable effort to try and mount a comeback, getting big swings by Smith, Thompson and Johnson. Alyssa Serewicz continued the comeback with a nice touch shot, but CUC would be unable to string a long enough run together, falling in the third set 25-19.
 
The Cougars will return to action on Wednesday night from Geiseman Gymnasium when they will welcome Governors State for a non-conference matchup set to begin at 7:00pm.