River Forest, Ill. – The Concordia University Chicago men's volleyball team (0-1) competed in their first match since the close of the 2020 season as they played the Aurora University Spartans (2-2). The Cougars only made it to three sets, getting swept in the season opener.
 
The Cougars began with a strong presence against the Spartans, leading by two early in the first set. But once Aurora got in a rhythm, it was hard for CUC to stop them. Although the Spartans didn't gain too big of a lead, the Cougars lost the first set 21-25.
 
The remaining two sets resulted in similar fates for Concordia. In both sets, the Cougars kept the score close with the Spartans until they reached the teens. This ultimately resulted in 22-25 and 16-25 losses for CUC.
 
Leading the Cougars tonight was sophomore Luke Vozenilek (Westmont, Ill.). The outside hitter recorded a team-high 14 kills, hitting .333 (5 errors, 27 attempts) from the pin. Senior Ryan Felbinger (Cicero, Ill.) helped the offense from the middle as he registered seven kills and no errors. He also led the team in aces with two.
 
Guiding the offense throughout the three sets was junior Virgilio Rodriguez (Cicero, Ill.). The sole setter led the team with 21 assists on the night.  
 
The Cougars will have three days off before hosting their first home contest of the year against the Benedictine University Eagles. A livestream for the game can be found at youtube.com/cucsports.