Ann Arbor, Mich.- Looking to get out to a strong start as in 2017, the Concordia University Chicago Cougar women's volleyball team opened their season on the road at CIVT. The Cougars struggled to get things going offensively in the first match against Concordia Ann Arbor (1-2) falling in three sets. CUC then responded by putting a strong effort together against Concordia University Wisconsin (1-0). Unfortunately for CUC the Falcons serving was the difference as the Cougars fell in three sets to the defending NACC champions.
 
In the opening match against Concordia Ann Arbor, CUC battled close with the Cardinals. CUAA led 15-12 midway through the set and would be able to hang on through the late points to take the set 25-23.
 
Attack errors then plagued CUC in sets two and three, as CUAA was able to take both sets 25-15 for the three set win.
As a team CUC hit .019 for the match with 27 kills and 25 errors. Shannon Stamp and Jennifer Livesay led the team with six kills each. Nicoletta Crowley led with 20 assists and Elise Sombke finished with nine digs.
 
In match two against CUW, the Cougars came out ready to go against the Falcons who are receiving votes in the national coach's poll. In set one CUC battled tough into the middle points, but the serving ability of CUW was the difference as the Falcons took the opening set 25-18
 
CUC continued to battle in set two, outhitting the Falcons .233 to .183, but again it was the serving ability of CUW that was the difference late in the set as the Cougars found themselves in a 2-0 hole.
 
Both teams struggled offensively in set three as the defense on both sides stepped up a notch. A set full of small runs was tied by Stamp with a middle kill at 20 each. Unfortunately for CUC the Falcons were able to score five of the last six points to take the match 3-0.
 
Stamp and Jaylynn Johnson paced the offense with nine kills each. Crowley finished with 29 assists in the match, while Alexis Hill led the team with 12 digs.
 
The Cougars (0-2) will now ready for another tough road test on Tuesday night. They are set to take on the University of Chicago and North Park starting at 6:00pm in the North Park Gymnasium.