River Forest, Ill.- The latest installment of the Division Street Rivalry got underway tonight at Dominican University. The Concordia University Chicago Cougars looked to avenge themselves after a heartbreaking five set loss to the Stars last season. In front of a raucous crowd inside the Igini Sports Forum, the Cougars battled tough, but eventually fell in three sets to Dominican.
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In set one, the Stars jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead by using three aces to fuel the run. The Cougars pulled back within 16-14 midway through the set on a
Shannon Stamp ace. CUC continued to battle close but could not come up with a run to complete the comeback, falling in set one 25-20.
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In set two, the Cougars held an early 3-1 lead, but a 6-0 Dominican run quickly put CUC in a hole. CUC took the lead at 12-11 with
Nicoletta Crowley serving. A kill by
Jaylynn Johnson and a
Julia Beers ace pushed the Cougar lead to 16-12 which forced a Dominican timeout. CUC continued to hold the lead at 22-19 late in the set, but Dominican was able to put together a 6-1 run to close out set two 25-23.
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In set three, CUC found themselves trailing early but great serving by
Elise Sombke and
Alexa Lomantini helped the Cougars to turn things around and build a 13-9 lead midway through the set. Dominican answered by slowly chipping away at the Cougar lead, tying the set at 18. From there the two sides battled into the final points. Two Stars' errors gave CUC set point, but an ace and two CUC errors allowed Dominican to come back and steal set three 26-24.
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As a team CUC hit .146 compared to Dominican's .185. Johnson led the Cougars with 11 kills on the night followed by
Julia Spitelli with 10. Stamp was impressive up front, finishing with five blocks.
The Cougars with conclude their 13 game season opening road trip on Friday and Saturday at the DePauw Invitational. Their first of four matches takes place at 2:00pm on Friday against Rose-Hulman.
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