IRVINE, Calif.- This week the Concordia University Irvine women's volleyball team traveled down to San Marcos, Calif. to open the Cougar Classic on Thursday evening. The Green and Gold are starting 0-1 in the tournament with a loss against the CSUSM Cougars, after last week's thrilling 3-1 record at the Golden Eagle Invitational.
 
The Cougars came out strong in the first set offensively but that didn't stop senior outside hitter Kirra Schulz from getting kills on her own side of the net. The captain was able to keep the Cougars defense on their toes with 16 kills in the match and even got the thrilling set ending block in set two to tie the match 1-1. Danielle McCasland and Kennedy Farley were also leaders for CUI with 9 kills each in the match.
 
Alyson Fullbright set our leaders up alongside Kawehi Chang, the pair brought in a combined 37 assists. Sophomore libero Delaney Risse dug up a total of 15 digs, with Fullbright close behind at 12, and Schulz with 10.
 
In sets three and four, CUI continued to stay strong through adversity and were close to the Cougars till the end. The fourth set was a seesaw battle, with both teams giving their all. The Eagles and Cougars traded points, refusing to let the other gain the upper hand. In the end the Cougars took the lead and won 3-1 against CUI.
 
The Golden Eagles are on the hunt for their next win as CUI continues the Cougar Classic tomorrow September 8, at 11 a.m. against Seattle Pacific and 4 p.m. against Colorado School of Mines. CLICK HERE for the full schedule