Greencastle, Ind. – After an opening split to begin play at the 2018 DePauw University Invitational, the Concordia University Chicago Volleyball team took to the floor two final times today before returning for their home opener on Tuesday night. The Cougars showed great effort all day long, but would fall twice, first to Transylvania in straight sets, then to Millikin by a score of 3-1.
 
In the opening match against Transylvania, the Cougars took an early 5-3 lead on kills by Jaylynn Johnson. The Cougars held the lead in the set until Transylvania was able to pull together a quick 3-0 run to take the lead at 11-9. CUC was able to pull back even at 18 late in the set, but Transylvania was able to close the set out on a 7-1 run.
In set two, Concordia and Transylvania played even to a 11-11 tie midway through the set. Transylvania again used a 5-1 run to open a late advantage, which the Cougars were unable to overcome, falling by a final score of 25-21 in set two.
 
In set three, Transylvania was able to open the set on an 11-1 run. CUC worked to get back within 12-9 with good serving by Shannon Stamp and Courtney Luciano. Unfortunately for CUC, Transylvania was able to build their lead back up to take set three 25-12.
 
Johnson led CUC with 14 kills in the match. Nicoletta Crowley finished with 27 assists and five blocks, while Elise Sombke finished with a tem high 12 digs.
 
In the second match against Millikin, CUC would find themselves down 13-7 midway through the set. Concordia was able to battle back within three points, but not be able to get any closer, falling 25-21 in set one.
 
In set two, Millikin again built up an early 6-1 lead. The Cougars battled once again, but could not overcome the early deficit, falling 25-18.
 
The Cougars were able to get things going in set three. Kills by Julia Spitelli with Courtney Luciano serving helped CUC build up a 6-3 advantage. Millikin was able pull back even at 12, but CUC got an ace from Alexis hill and a kill by Johnson to help springboard themselves into the lead. A 5-1 CUC run late in the set fueled by more offense by Spitelli helped to put the set out of reach for Millikin, as CUC would seal the set on a Julia Beers ace.
 
In set four, Millikin again built up an early advantage in the set. CUC battled to get back with 15-13 midway through, but again the deficit proved to be too much for CUC to overcome, falling by a final of 25-15.
 
Spitelli finished with a team high 11 kills. Crowley finished with 23 assists and Sombke led with 20 digs.
 
The Cougars will return home for the much anticipated home opener on Tuesday night. CUC will take on Aurora University inside Geiseman Gymnasium at 7:00pm.