ST.LOUIS, MO. --- Looking to get things going after two losses yesterday, the Concordia University Chicago men's volleyball team closed out the Fontbonne Invitational on Sunday. The Cougars struggled to gain momentum throughout the day, falling to the host Fontbonne 3-0 to open play Sunday. CUC then closed the weekend with a 3-0 loss to Trine.

Match one vs. Fontbonne
CUC scored the opening point of the day on an Erickberto Perez (Melrose Park, Ill.) kill. The Cougars kept the lead early, building the lead out to 5-3. The Griffins slowly clawed their way back, taking the lead for good when they went on a 9-1 run to take a 20-12 lead. Fontbonne scored the final four points of the set to take set one 25-17.

The Griffins jumped out early on the Cougars in set two. CUC pulled back within 7-6 early in the set on a Kenney McCallum ace. Fontbonne countered with an 11-1 run, which led to a 25-14 set two victory.

CUC scored the first two points of the third set on a Matthew Lams (Brookfield, Ill.) kill and a David Vales (Oak Forest, Ill.) ace. CUC looked to gain momentum with a 5-0 run which included two blocks by Tyler Holubek (New Lenox, Ill.) and Colby Campbell (Brookfield, Ill.). The run gave CUC an 8-4 lead. The Griffins were able to reclaim their momentum in the later parts of set three with an 8-1 run to take a 22-17 lead. Fontbonne ultimately took set three 25-20 to take the match 3-0.

Match two vs. Trine
In the second match of the day against Trine the Cougars grabbed an early lead with a 4-0 run in set one. Trine worked their way back and the two sides traded points until the score was 13-12 CUC. Trine then ripped off an 11-2 run to run away with set one 25-17.

Trine grabbed the lead in set one but CUC continued to battle. Trailing 20-16 CUC went on a 5-1 run to pull even at 21. Campbell had two kills during the run. Trine kept their cool and scored four of the final five points to take set two 25-22.

CUC tried to grab momentum back in set three. Lambs gave CUC a 3-1 lead early with a kill. Trine then answered with a 7-1 run to reclaim the lead. The Cougars continued to fight, going on a run late in the set with Holubek serving to pull within 21-20. Unfortunately for CUC, Trine was able to score the final four points to take set three 25-20 and the match 3-0.

The Cougars will be back in action on Friday, February 18 when Lakeland University comes to Geiseman Gymnasium for a NACC contest. Opening serve is set for 7:00 pm from River Forest. Links to coverage can be found at cucougars.com/coverage.