IRVINE, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine men's volleyball team started conference play against No. 7 BYU Thursday. The Golden Eagles were able to fend off the Cougars for a set but ultimately fell just short in four with scores 16-25, 23-25, 25-17, and 17-25.
 
Ties Cornelissen led CUI with 13 kills and reached seven digs. The outside hitter also received the majority of the serve receive passes and was able to help the Green and Gold only allow four aces from the Cougars.
 
Kasey Clouet was unstoppable out of the middle as he went 8-for-11 while hitting an impressive .636. Clement Osahon Jr. was the other middle for Concordia and had nine kills with one solo and four block assists. Each middle contributed from the back line with an ace.
 
Connor Dell came into the game and made an immediate impact for CUI earning seven kills and a team high of two aces. Makua Marumoto, Christian Galoppo, and Marcus Morgan all had three kills in the two sets that they played.
 
Colin Marks reached dished out 41 assists and had a team high of 10 digs. Marks also had two aces from the service line. Cruse Ae'a was all over the court tonight scooping up seven digs and covering his teammates. Connor Orrock and Makai Lipson came into the game to serve and each served up an ace.
 
As the Cougars took a two set lead the Golden Eagles jumped out in the third set and took control. They had a commanding 23-13 lead over BYU and won the set 25-17 forcing a fourth. The fourth set went in favor of BYU as they were able to on a few runs to extend their lead and help earn the win.
 
The Golden Eagles will be back in the CU Arena as they take on BYU again Friday Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. to close out the series for the season.
 
Click here to see the full CUI men's volleyball schedule.