(Ann Arbor, MI) The Cardinals began their second round of WHAC play tonight hosting the Racers from University of Northwestern Ohio. The Cardinals looked to avenge their 3-0 loss earlier in the season. The Racers came into the match looking to climb the conference standings with a 17-7 mark overall and 7-3 in the WHAC.
1st Set – CUAA 10, UNOH 25
UNOH jumped out to a quick 5-1 lead forcing the Cardinals to take a timeout and regroup. The Racers found their rhythm early led behind the attack of all-conference members Devon Heitkamp and Erika Angstmann. The Cardinals struggled to find an answer for the duo as they combined for over 10 kills. Lena Thompson (SR/Howard City, MI) led the Cardinal attack with 3 kills and Tara Schatzle (JR/Brooklyn, MI) recorded 7 digs
2nd Set – CUAA 17, UNOH 25
The Racers continued their attack jumping out to a 9-3 lead. The Cardinals quickly responded with four straight points led by two kills from Lena Thompson to pull within 9-7. With the Racers leading 19-15 the Racers rattled off three quick points to extend the lead 22-15 and force a Cardinal timeout. Two kills by the Cardinals would not be enough and the Racers took the second set, 17-25.
3rd Set – CUAA 23, UNOH 25
The Cardinals would not go away without a fight and came out aggressively to start the third set. The Cardinals put the Racers on their heels for once and led 11-4. The Racers leadership remained strong and relied on Heitkamp and Angstmann to spearhead a 6-0 run, 10-11. The Cardinals increased the lead, 19-15 on back to back kills by Lindsey Luff (SO/Flushing, MI). The Racers evened the match at 20-20 on consecutive kills. The Cardinals responded taking advantage of a Racers error and a Nicole Evans (JR/Bristol, IN) kill to regain the lead, 22-20. The Racers would go on to score the last four points of the game to complete the set and three game sweep of the Caridnals.
The Cardinals busy week at home will continue on Friday night at 7pm as they host Lawrence Technological University. The Cardinals will also play at home on Saturday afternoon against Lourdes University at 1pm.
