Box Score
The Labor Day Classic Invitational Tournament didn't only mark the beginning of a fresh season for Concordia Volleyball, but the start of a new era. After a three year membership process, the Eagles won their first match as official members of the NCAA.
Concordia claimed three straight sets for the opening victory against Cal State Stanislaus by scores of 25-20,25-21 and 25-22. While the Warriors, from the California Collegiate Athletic Association, applied pressure on the Eagles, the reigning PacWest Conference Champions relied on their well-spread offense and defensive play to keep them ahead.
"I liked our effort, attitude and I thought we did a pretty good job," Head Coach
Paula Weishoff said. "They went out there and competed with effort and attitude which is everything we ask them to do."
Senior
Rachel Flynn led the Eagles with 12 kills and seven digs while providing steady serve receive for Concordia. Sophomore
Cindy Tran chipped in 10 kills and
Hailey Gaines added seven. Libero Maddie Deters dug 18 swings and
Erica Anthony dished out 23 assists.
Set one started with a battle, until freshman
Riley Gill's service run set the Eagles ahead 8-4. Concordia maintained momentum and forced the Warriors to burn through two time outs. Although they came within two, a Gill kill and Warrior error gave the Eagles set point. Concordia closed it out on an error from Stanislaus.
Even though the Eagles began game two with back to back errors, they didn't let it dictate the result. With the score tied at 15-15,
Kyra Auten buried a set from
Jessica Diederich to get the go ahead point. The Eagles utilized two Warrior errors and kills from
Amber Rose and Flynn to finish it off.
In game three, the Warriors worked there way to an 11-8 lead.
Jaclyn Brown entered the game and provided a spark for the Eagles on the outside that jump started the Eagles to a four point run. Flynn, Rose and Brown charged the Warriors with six kills for their last seven points.
Concordia hit .254 as a team, put together 43 kills and 48 digs.
Saturday, CUI closes out the Labor Day Tournament with two matches. First, they face off with Winona State at 12 p.m. The final match of the weekend features the Eagles and McKendree University at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be held in CU Arena in Irvine, Calif.
