Eagles defeat Princeton, fall to Grand Canyon for weekend split
Emily Duran
Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 The Concordia Men's Volleyball Team split its games this weekend, first defeating Princeton and later falling to Grand Canyon University.
Concordia vs. Princeton
Princeton's matchup was a three game sweep, with the Eagles winning 25-20, 25-22 and a final set comeback 26-24 win.
Set one remained close, until at 18-18 Chandler Gibb's service ace followed by a Ryan Anselmo kill gave the Eagles some cushion. Jonathon Predney put down a set from Nicolas Bauer to secure the first.
Anselmo's fire power heated up in the second set and he began the game with a kill to jump start a four point run. Despite Princeton's push back, two Andrew Hammer kill's kept Concordia in a comfortable lead. Predney delivered three consecutive kills for the Eagles to close out game two 25-22.
Throughout the third, the teams traded points until at 6-6 Princeton put together three straight kills forcing an Eagle timeout. Hunter Howell's kill broke Princeton's run, but they continued to work their way to a 15-10 advantage. Concordia fought its way back, tying the game at 20 all. Predney and Howell combined for three kills to reach set point. Alec Krilis and Gibbs ended the match with a stuff block in the middle.
The Eagles tallied 25 blocks, with Krilis leading with 10. Anselmo hit .538, delivering eight kills with only one error on 13 swings. Howell had six kills with zero errors and one ace. Gibbs dished out 30 assists with two aces and four digs.
Concordia vs. Grand Canyon
In Saturday's day game, Grand Canyon gave Concordia tough competition.
The first set was an even battle, but the Antelopes' 7-3 scoring run finished the game at 25-21.
During the second, the Antelopes utilized the momentum they built in the first, and capitalized on it. TheY put together a nearly unstoppable offense and scrappy defense to shut down the Eagle offense.
In a do or die situation, Concordia countered to take the third- Â led by Isaiah Pono Kaaa, Joey Pillon and Taylor Falduti's offensive spark.
Game four was another fierce matchup. The Eagles had the edge towards the end of the match, leading 21-18. But, Grand Canyon refused to let the game slip away. They put together a three point run to tie the score and eventually claim the 26-24 final set.
The Eagles were led by Predney with 13 kills, Anselmo with 10 and Falduti at eight. Â Gibbs posted another 30 assists and a team high nine digs.
The Eagles, now 9-7 on the year, Â return to play Wednesday, Feb. 8th at 7 p.m. against Irvine Valley College.Â
