(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia volleyball hosted Cornerstone on Wednesday night to continue WHAC conference play. The Cardinals came in 13-14 overall (9-8 WHAC) while the Golden Eagles entered 21-12 (15-3 WHAC). CUAA made the Golden Eagles fight for every set, but Cornerstone claimed the win in straight sets.
Kayla Peters led the team with 10 kills. Abigail Austin had a team-high 31 assists, reaching a significant milestone with over 1,000 assists on the year, while also leading the Cardinals with 16 digs. Tara Drinane finished first with 3 blocks.
Set 1 – CU 25, CUAA 20
A block by Kaitlin Veihl gave the Cardinals their first point of the match. Kayla Peters and Tara Drinane made early kills to give Concordia a 5-4 lead. The Cardinals consistently stayed within 3-4 points with Alexandra Lucaj making a late kill and McKenzie Peters notching a service ace. However, Cornerstone took set 1.
Set 2 – CU 25, CUAA 22
Kaitlin Veihl had the first Concordia kill in set 2. After falling behind 5-1, the Cardinals made a 7-0 run with Abigail Austin making back-to-back aces and Kayla Peters making a powerful go-ahead kill. Alexandra Lucaj combined with Tara Drinane for a block and made a kill for a 12-6 lead. Cornerstone eventually rallied to go up 22-19, but Concordia tied the set with a 3-0 run capped by a McKenzie Peters ace. However, the Golden Eagles took the last three points to win set 2.
Set 3 – CU 25, CUAA 18
Kaitlin Veihl once again had the first Cardinal kill in set 3. Abigail Austin made back-to-back aces as Concordia took an early 5-3 lead. Cornerstone went back ahead, but Claudia Grepke made 3 kills to pace the Cardinal offense. Alexandra Lucaj had 2 late kills and McKenzie Peters made an ace, but Cornerstone was able to pull away to clinch the game.
Concordia will remain at home this Friday, November 5 when they host rival Siena Heights. The game will begin at 7pm.