LISLE, ILL. -- For the first time in program history, the Concordia University Chicago Cougars played in the semifinals of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) tournament, falling in three sets to the Benedictine University Eagles.
INSIDE THE BOX
- Luke Vozenilek (Westmont, Ill.)led the offense, picking up ten kills and one ace on the night.
- Elijah Mosher (Clayton, Ohio) picked up 21 assists on the night.
- Colby Campbell (Brookfield, Ill.) and Mosher each secured one block.
- Blake Rosen (Aldie, Va.) led the team in digs after picking up seven.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Cougars jumped out to a 4-0 lead after a kill from Vozenilek and a service ace from Christopher Livesay (Medinah, Ill.) jumpstarted the offense. As Tyler Holubek (New Lenox, Ill.) joined in on the offensive fun, the Cougars extended their lead to 6-3 before the Eagles started their climb back.
- After letting the Eagles tie things up, the Cougars went back-and-forth in a point-for-point situation before a 6-0 run for the Eagles to close the first set would leave the Cougars trailing by eight.
- As the second set got underway, the Cougars fell behind 3-1 before a big swing from Campbell would bring them within one. Struggling to combat the explosive Eagle offense, the Cougars fell behind by as much as 11 in the second set, falling 25-14.
- In their do-or-die situation, the Cougars began their battle back in the third set. Relying on freshman Dionte Garcia (Aurora, Colo.) for both serving and receiving capabilities, the Cougars saw more time with offensive possession and jumped to a 6-3 lead following a big kill from Holubek. Letting the Eagles go on a 4-0 run midway through the third set, the Cougars were forced to battle from behind to keep themselves alive. Swings from Holubek, Vozenilek, David Vales (Oak Forest, Ill.), and Andrej Moller (Naperville, Ill.) brought them back within four, but ultimately the Cougars were overpowered and fell in three sets.
WHAT COACH MANOS HAD TO SAY
- "This group has gone through so much adversity. Despite all of the challenges in front of them they continued to push towards progress and make a historic mark on the university. The program took a massive step forward this season and I am eternally grateful to be a part of their record shattering efforts. The future of CUC Men's Volleyball is bright and these seniors laid the groundwork for our future success stories!"
HIGHLIGHTS
The Cougars close their historic season after securing their first NACC tournament appearance and a first round win over Milwaukee School of Engineering to close the season with a final record of 15-13 overall and 7-5 in NACC play, the program's best record since the shortened 2020 season due to COVID. The Concordia University Chicago men's volleyball team thanks everyone for their support throughout the season. Information and updates about the team can still be found at cucougars.com and on Twitter @cuc_cougarmvb.
