The Concordia women's volleyball team showed a glimpse of what is to come during this past weekend's D2 West Region Showcase in Irvine.
 
Multiple CUI freshmen shined under the spotlight while a couple sophomores stepped up their game to help inspire their teammates.
 
Concordia freshman Patience O'Neal stood out in particular. O'Neal recorded a team-high 41 kills to go with six blocks over the course of the tourney.
 
The outside hitter from Washington racked up more than ten kills per game and piled up a season-high 14 kills in impressive fashion against eventual pod winner Central Washington.   
 
In her last four contests, O'Neal has averaged 3.42 kills per set along with a .410 kill percentage and .220 hitting efficiency.
 
The visiting Wildcats swept CUI and rallied to a pair of 25-23 decisions over the Eagles in the second and third sets despite Concordia rattling off seven straight points during one sequence.
 
In the nightcap, Cal State University San Marcos fended off a late charge by Concordia to earn a 25-23 win in the second set and take a 2-0 advantage.  CUI would battle in the third set but the Cougars were able to lock down the match with a 25-22 closeout victory.
 
Concordia sophomore Jaclyn Brown was very sharp.  Brown was named to the All-Tournament Pod B Team and averaged 9.5 kills in Saturday's two contests.  She finished the weekend with a grand total of 37 kills.
 
Sophomore libero Clarice Buchanan also had a busy Saturday. The transfer from St. Martin's University seemed to solidify her role on the team when she racked up 15 digs against Cal State University San Marcos after collecting 22 digs against CWU.
 
Ailsa Watson totaled 20 assists in each game on Saturday to lead the Eagles in that category while freshman setter Brianna Latigue chipped in with a combined total of 26 assists on the day.
 
Central Washington was the only team to go a perfect 4-0 at this location.  Cal State East Bay prevailed over Alaska Anchorage and both schools went 3-1 during their time in Irvine.
 
Concordia opens up PacWest play on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at Azusa Pacific.  The Eagles then return home Friday, September 7 to face Fresno Pacific in their first home conference game of the year at 7 p.m. in CU Arena.
 
Final Tournament Standings:
Central Washington 4-0
CSU East Bay 3-1
Alaska Anchorage 3-1
CSU San Marcos 2-2
Concordia 0-4
Notre Dame de Namur 0-4
 
All-Tournament Pod B Team:
Shelby Mauritson - Outside Hitter (CWU)
Makala Swart - Outside Hitter (CWU)
Deja Thompson - Middle Hitter (CSUEB)
Lindsey Ray - Outside Hitter (CSUEB)
Eve Stephens - Opposite (UAA)
Maddy Newcombe - Outside (CSUSM)
Jaclyn Brown - Outside Hitter (CUI)
Rowan Jack - Outside Hitter (NDNU)
 
MVP - Shelby Mauritson, Central Washington University