Lisle, Ill. – Looking to make it two straight wins in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, the Concordia University Chicago Cougars (7-12, 2-4 NACC) took to the floor tonight against the Benedictine University Eagles (10-8, 2-2 NACC). The Cougars held the lead early in set one, but it would be all Benedictine from there as the Eagles down the Cougars in straight sets.
 
In set one, the two teams battled even through the early points. A 4-0 run propelled by Nicoletta Crowley serving helped the Cougars to build a 14-9 advantage midway through the set. Benedictine used a quick 4-0 run of their own to get back in the set, but a Julia Spitelli kill stopped the run. The Eagles kept coming though, grabbing the lead back at 17-16. CUC worked to get back in the set, but would be unable to as the Eagles closed out set one 25-20.
 
In the second set, the Eagles continued to keep their offense rolling. An early 9-0 run for Benedictine opened up a 10-2 early advantage. Kills by Spitelli helped to get CUC back within 11-6, but the Eagles were able to keep the Cougars chasing, taking set two 25-16.
 
Much like the previous set, Benedictine quickly built up a 7-1 advantage over CUC. The Cougars again battled to get back within 9-5 early on. Unfortunately for the Cougars, Benedictine had everything going offensively, taking set three by a final score of 25-16.
 
CUC struggled offensively hitting .010 as a team on the night. Spitelli led the team with eight kills. Crowley finished with a double-double on the night, leading the team with 16 assists and 13 digs.
 
The Cougars will now ready for two homecoming matches over the homecoming weekend. CUC will celebrate their lone senior Crowley on Friday night before taking on the Rockford University Regents. Opening serve is set for 7:00pm. The Cougars will then close the weekend by taking on the Edgewood College Eagles. Opening serve Saturday is set for 12:00pm.