River Forest, IL- In their fourth conference match, the Concordia University Chicago Cougars (6-11, 1-3 NACC) took on the Concordia University Wisconsin Falcons (10-2, 4-0 NACC) at Geiseman Gymnasium.
 
To start of the first set, the Falcons went on a 9-0 run that was laid to rest by a Shannon Stamp kill that brought the score to 9-1. Concordia-Wisconsin quickly regained momentum as the Cougars struggled to put together any big runs. A few Concordia-Chicago communication miscues allowed the Falcons to take set one 25-8
 
In set two, junior Jaylynn Johnson started things off with a huge early kill. Concordia- Chicago seemed to be more comfortable and looked as if they came ready to play in set two. With Stamp behind the line to serve, the Cougars were able to stretch their lead to 7-3.
 
After a quick CUW run, the Cougars added four more points, including a Nicoletta Crowley ace. This brought the score to 11-5, forcing a Falcons timeout.
 
The Falcons quickly recovered, using a run to take a 13-11 lead back midway through the set. Julia Spitelli helped to slow the CUW run with a kill off the right side After back-to-back Stamp kills and some good defensive work by the Cougars, CUC was able to grab the lead back one final time 19-18. Unfortunately, the Falcons were able to pull away one again, taking set two 25-22.
 
In set three, the Cougars started off strong once again, but CUC saw the early lead disappear as they trailed 11-8 early in the set. The Falcons used another run to extend the lead to 18-10. Spitelli helped to get CUC back into it with a kill off the left side. A Stamp ace also helped CUC to get momentum back.
 
 With a few impressive defensive plays along with a block from Chloe Martin, the Cougars were able to tie the score up at 20-20. An electric kill by Johnson brought the Cougars within one at 23-22. After a few more back-and-fourth plays, the Cougars were able to reach set point with Jennifer Livesay serving. The Cougars clinched the set with a score of 26-24.
 
In the fourth set, the even play continued with a 4-4 start. A big block from Livesay and Martin tied it back up again at 6-6.
 
The Falcons were able to open up some breathing room at 12-8 midway through the set. A big Spitelli kill brought the Cougars back within five but unfortunately for CUC the Falcons were able to fight off any Cougar run to take set four 25-21 and the match 3-1.
 
Johnson led CUC with 12 kills, followed by Spitelli with 10. Crowley finished with 25 assists, and Elise Sombke led with 17 digs.
 
The Cougars now will ready to head to Milwaukee to take on MSOE in NACC play on Friday. Opening serve is set for 7:00pm.