SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Concordia looked to secure its first win of the season on Saturday night, taking on the tournament host No. 10 UC Santa Barbara. Behind the strong offensive pressure and blocking advantage at the net, the Gauchos secured the win to finish the tournament 3-0.
 
The Eagles were led by redshirt junior Jordan Hoppe who put down a match-high 12 kills. Following behind was Hunter Howell who hit .417 with six kills to along with an ace. Isaiah Kaaa and Chandler Gibb split time at setter collecting 15 and 10 assists respectively.
 
Hoppe secured the first point of the night for the Eagles off a kill. Howell served an ace into the corner that sparked a 3-0 Concordia run to bring them within one at 10-9. Following a tie at 13-13, the Gauchos were able to create separation to take the lead 19-17. A trio of points for the Green and Gold put them ahead 21-20. With set point on the line for UCSB, Zachary Meyer checked in and immediately terminated a ball for the side out, followed by a service error to clinch the set for UCSB.
 
The Gauchos started off set two strong, but a kill by Howell ended the run at 12-3 UCSB. Kaaa collected a kill of his own and followed with two strong serves to cut the Gaucho lead to 17-9. Consecutive side outs brought the score to 24-14, but Hoppe delivered with a kill while Noah Lassandro and Kaaa teamed up for a block to fend off two set points. UCSB would respond with a kill from the outside to end the set.
 
Concordia changed up its line-up in hope to shift the momentum in their favor. Sophomore Jonathan Carlson put on the libero jersey and freshman Andrew Delmada made his Concordia debut, both earning the start in set three. Delmada made an impact early, putting down a kill and an ace to bring the score to 4-5. A Gaucho hitting error put the Eagles within two at 13-15. Hoppe sided out three straight times off of kills but UCSB respond with three consecutive points to take the match.
 
The Eagles will head back on the road, this time flying to Hawaii to take part of the Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Warrior Classic from Jan. 10-12.
 
For the full 2019 Concordia men's volleyball schedule click here.