(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia volleyball celebrated Senior Day on Friday evening as the team concluded their regular season against Cornerstone. Prior to the game, the team honored their four senior team members – Delaney Bennett (SR/Fruitport, MI), Denae Tolu (SR/Canton, MI), Jennifer Smith (SR/Frankemuth, MI) and Lena Thompson (SR/Howard City, MI). The Cardinals put forth a spirited effort in their final game of the year, but the Golden Eagles secured a win in straight sets.
Senior Lena Thompson led Concordia with 14 kills in the game. Senior Jennifer Smith recorded a team-high 10 digs with Tara Schatzle (JR/Brooklyn, MI) adding 9 and senior Denae Tolu chipping in 5. Hailey McCourt (JR/Toledo, OH) had a team-high 23 assists.
Set 1 – Cornerstone 25, CUAA 20
Nicole Evans (JR/Bristol, IN) tied the game 1-1 with a soft floater over the net for a kill. After Cornerstone jumped out to a 6-1 lead, the Cardinals made a 6-2 run with Lena Thompson hammering 4 kills during the stretch. One of Thompson's kills came after senior Jennifer Smith made a critical low dig to keep the ball off the floor.
Concordia tied the set 14-14 after Lena Thompson and Kaitlin Veihl (JR/Muskegon, MI) combined for a block. An ace from Thompson and another strong serve led to a 17-17 tie. Senior Delaney Bennett smashed a strong kill late in the set, but Cornerstone pulled away to win the first set 25-20.
Set 2 – Cornerstone 25, CUAA 12
Gabrielle den Boer (JR/Canton, MI) made a kill for Concordia's first point in set 2. The Cardinals stayed within striking distance early in the set after kills from Delaney Bennett and Hailey McCourt. Lena Thompson made a well-placed hit for a kill late in the set, but the Golden Eagles built a lead and took the second set 25-12.
Set 3 – Cornerstone 25, CUAA 16
Gabrielle den Boer once again had the Cardinals' first kill in set 3. After Cornerstone jumped out to a 12-3 lead, senior Lena Thompson continued to pace the offense on a 4-0 run with kills and strong serves. Delaney Bennett made another powerful kill and Tara Schatzle had a service ace, but the Golden Eagles closed out the match with a 25-16 win.
