Late-Set Success Leads To Playoff-Clinching Sweep

MOORHEAD, Minn. (11/03/23)---Concordia made sure there would be no drama in clinching its first MIAC playoff berth since 2016. The Cobbers flexed their muscles at the end of all three sets as they swept Carleton 25-21, 25-22, 25-22.

Concordia entered the match having to win to earn a spot in the postseason and the Cobber defense responded by holding the Knights to an attack percentage of .060. It marks the third time this year that CC has held a conference opponent under a .100 hit mark, and all three times, the Cobbers have come away with a victory.

In addition to their defense, Concordia's ability to close out all three sets played a significant role in the match. CC trailed late in all three sets and posted point streaks to overtake the Knights at the finish line.   

The win ups Concordia's conference record to 6-5, and they finish in a 4-way tie for fourth place in the final league standings. By virtue of a complicated tie-breaking procedure, the Cobbers will be the No.6 seed for the upcoming MIAC postseason tournament.

Concordia trailed Carleton 21-19 in the first set and then put momentum on their side for the match by recording six straight points to earn the 25-21 win. Senior Karlie Goschen played a massive role in the 6-point swing as she served up a pair of aces and made it hard for the Knights to get into their offensive with her pin-point service game.

The Cobbers would follow the same script in set No.2. They trailed 21-16 and proceeded to win 9 of the final 10 points to claim the 25-22 win. Since the match script wasn't broken, there was no need for Concordia to fix it in the third set. CC found themselves tied at 22-22 and clinched their playoff spot by winning three straight points.

Concordia finished the match by hitting at least .125 in all three sets and posted a final attack mark of .145. The Cobbers also had 33 kills and 57 digs.

Senior Madison Kisch made her last match in Memorial Auditorium count as she led the team with 11 kills and hit a match-best .421.

Mallory Leitner hit .217 with seven winners, while Kaia Lill had 27 assists and six digs. Chloe Markovic came up with 12 digs, and Goschen recorded nine digs and four service aces.

UP NEXT: Concordia will travel to Northfield to take on St. Olaf in the quarterfinals of the MIAC tournament on Monday, Nov. 6.  

CONCORDIA vs. CARLETON HIGHLIGHTS: