After showing a high amount of fight and energy in day one of the NACC-IIAC Challenge, the Concordia University Chicago Cougars looked to get rewarded for their efforts on day two. The first match pitted CUC against the University of Dubuque and the second against Central College. The Cougars were unable to turn the tables on the weekend falling to Dubuque (18-25, 19-25, 11-25), and Central (19-25, 14-25, 16-26).

Match One vs. University of Dubuque
In set one, Dubuque jumped out but CUC was able to stay close with kills by Austin Thompson and Jaylynn Johnson. The Spartans though took advantage of Cougar attack errors, and also placed multiple shots perfectly down the line to force a CUC timeout at 13-7. CUC took their run late in the set. Getting kills from Sarah Smith and Thompson, including a big duo block CUC went on a 5-0 run to get within 20-15. CUC wouldn't get any closer than five in the set, eventually falling 25-17.

In set two, Dubuque came out using the momentum from the first set, controlling the pace of play and forcing a CUC timeout with the Cougars trailing 12-6. The Spartans continued to control the set forcing another timeout for CUC trailing 19-7. CUC tried to gain momentum with a big solo block by Johnson out of the timeout. Nicoletta Crowley got into the scoring with a kill, and Johnson continued the run with a perfect tipped ball into the far corner. CUC continued to try and fight back with kills by Smith and Arendia Ruiter that brought CUC within five, but the Cougars were unable to keep the rally going and fell in the set 25-19.

In set three, Dubuque continued to roll with their momentum. They jumped out early and continued to have their way, rolling to a 25-11 victory over CUC in the third set.

Match Two vs. Central College
In set one, there were many good early battles between the two schools. Swings by Thompson and Smith continued the battle for CUC, and strong defensive play by Hannah Johnson and Alyssa Serewicz allowed CUC to stay within 6-5 early. CUC continued the strong defensive play, getting a big block by J.Johnson and an ace by Ruiter to tie the set up at 10. Central rattled off the next two points forcing a Cougar timeout and continued to stretch the lead out to 18-13. A kill by Ruiter and an ace by H.Johnson got CUC back within three, but back-to-back errors extended the lead back to 20-15 forcing a second Cougar timeout. Raven Burns converted out of the timeout, but Central did not relinquish the lead, taking the set 25-19.

In set two, the Cougars came out strong with kills by Ruiter and Thompson jumping out to an early 5-4 lead. Long impressive plays continued to be exchanged between the two teams. Big diving saves by Courtney Luciano and H.Johnson kept plays going through the early points. Central was able to force a CUC timeout on a 4-0 run. The Cougars continued to try to climb back against the Dutch with a kill by Smith and an ace by H.Johnson but would eventually fall in the set 25-14

In set three, Central grabbed the lead quickly, but CUC fought back with a kills by Smith and a combo block by Burns and J.Johnson. Cougar errors allowed Central to extend the lead to five. Kills by J.Johnson and Thompson cut the deficit back to just three. The teams continued to trade points, with CUC getting as close as two with a kill by J.Johnson. The Dutch answered with another 4-0 run to extend the lead back to six forcing a Cougar timeout. Central was able to take advantage of Cougar errors and took set three 25-16.
 
The Cougars (2-13 1-0 NACC) will return to action inside Geisman Gymnasium this coming Tuesday. They will take on Aurora University in a NACC match beginning at 7:00pm.