RIVER FOREST, ILL. — The Concordia University Chicago Athletics teams have moved into the heart of Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) play. Looking back on last week, there were many home games hosted by the Cougars.
Women's volleyball started off hot last week with a dominating win over Dominican. This Division Street Rivalry game had the gym packed, creating obvious momentum for the Cougars. Defeating the Stars in three sets, this was their first win against their rival since 2008. Grace Heywood (Northbrook, Ill.) recorded a double-double on the night with 14 kills and 12 digs. Traveling to Indiana over the weekend, the Cougars performed 1-2 overall. Falling to Hanover College on Friday 3-0, the Cougars were able to beat Manchester 3-2 and then fell to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 3-0. Katie Stonich (Sadieville, Ky.) led the day with 22 kills and Julia Beers (Mishawaka, Ind.) defended the court with 49 digs. Both Eve Dicken (St. Louis, Mo.) and Beers were selected for the All-Tournament team. They will be on the road to Lakeland this Friday to face the Muskies at 7 p.m.
Women's soccer has crossed into the heart of NACC play this week. Wednesday, they dropped their game against Aurora 2-1. A lone goal from Meagan Wilkinson-McQuaid (Georgetown, Ky.) put up the only point of the game for the Cougars. Saturday, they celebrated their seniors: Kassie Silenzi (Carpentersville, Ill.), Britani Chansler (Naples, Fla.), Megan Shelton (New Lenox, Ill.), Paige Falkenstern (Fort Wayne, Ind.), Jordyn Gosell (Antioch, Ill.), and Shelby Sims (Bartonville, Ill.). However, they did fall to their senior day game against St. Norbert 1-0. They continue their onslaught of home games Wednesday at 4 p.m. against Lakeland.
Last week, men's soccer spent their time heavily into conference play. Facing away at Aurora on Wednesday, the Cougars fell 4-0 against the Spartans. Coming home on Saturday, they fell 2-0 against the St. Norbert Green Knights. Between Nicholas Pasut (New Boston, Mich.), Ethan Ruttenberg (Granby, Colo.), Joseph Perez (Crystal Lake, Ill.), and Kyle Schultz (Pingree Grove, Ill.) they had a combined 15 saves on the week. Playing away again Wednesday, the Cougars travel to Lakeland for a 7 p.m. start.
Being both at home and on the road last week, women's tennis had multiple matches faced. Thursday, they hosted Saint Mary's and fell to them 8-1. Over the weekend, the Cougars fell to the Illinois Institute of Technology 6-3. Jessica Parker (Lake in the Hills, Ill.) and Alexa Hoover (Fort Wayne, Ind.) both won their singles matches against the Scarlet Hawks. Traveling to Iowa Sunday, they faced Cornell where they were defeated 7-2. Heidi Hesse (La Crau, France) and Ali Wingood (Chicago, Ill.) picked up their own singles wins on that day. Hosting at home on Saturday, they will be facing Edgewood at 10 a.m.
Football had their first road contest of the season, resulting in a loss. Traveling to Mequon, the Cougars faced Concordia University Wisconsin on Saturday. Falling 35-7, Cleveland Tucker (Houston, Texas) supplied a blocked punt and lone touchdown for the Cougars. E'derian Sykes (Lake Village, Ark.) also contributed 109 rushing yards and Travon Thomas (Wauchula, Fla.) led the defense with nine tackles. Coming back home once again, they begin another stint of home games with Eureka on Saturday scheduled for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
You can keep up with all things CUC Athletics on Twitter @CUChicagoSports, watch all the action at cucougars.com/coverage, and view all photos from the seasons here.
