RIVER FOREST, Ill. -- As the NACC schedule reaches its midpoint, the Concordia University Chicago Women's Volleyball team looks to begin their climb up the standings to make a postseason push for the second straight season. CUC will welcome the Benedictine University Eagles to Geiseman Gymnasium for a big match tomorrow. Benedictine and CUC finished in a four-way at 7-5 in NACC play last season, so this match could go a long way towards a postseason spot for both teams.
Series History: The Cougars and Eagle have met at least once every season dating back to 2003. Benedictine holds a sizable advantage in the overall series, but the two teams have split the last two matches. Benedictine won the matchup last season in Lisle, but the Cougars won the 2017 matchup inside Geiseman. Jaylynn Jonson and
Shannon Stamp had a combined 13 kills and four blocks in the 2017 win.
About the Cougars: The Concordia Cougars are 8-13 overall and 2-3 in the NACC. The Cougars come into the match ranking in the top three in the conference in aces and blocks. Stamp still continues to be one of the top blockers in the country, ranking 64
th overall.
Alyssa Henline and
Julia Beers have been strong behind the service line for CUC, ranking second and third in the NACC respectively with a combined 71 aces this season. Offensively Johnson, Henline, Stamp and Spitelli all have over 100 kills this season. Johnson leads the group with 157, while Stamp leads the group with a .283 attack percentage.
Kelly Gootee has emerged as the team's top setter this season. The junior has accumulated 310 assists so far this season. Much like behind the service line, Beers and Henline lead the team with over 200 digs this season.
About the Eagles: The Benedictine Eagles come into the match 12-4 overall and 2-1 in the NACC. The have won six of their last seven, with their last loss coming on the road in four sets to Lakeland. Most recently the Eagles downed Marian on Saturday in four sets. Benedictine has been one of the top attacking teams in the country this season. They rank first in the NACC and 27
th in the nation with a .233 team attack percentage. Setter Alyssa Mojica ranks 27
th in the country with a 9.88 assists per set average. Senior Taylor Dunwell leads the way offensively for the Eagles. She leads the team with 207 kills this season and a .243 attack percentage. Mojica has already recorded 569 assists this year. Defensively four players have recorded over 100 digs this season, led by Hayley Primas with 260.
Up Next: The Cougars will hit the road this weekend to begin the final three match road trip in NACC play. CUC will take on Rockford Friday night before taking on Edgewood on Saturday afternoon.
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@CUC_Volleyball for all of your updates.
