Solid Start Gives Way To Tough Finish

WINONA, Minn. (10/12/19)---Concordia hit .222 and .387 in their first two sets at St. Mary's and took a 2-0 lead against the Cardinals. Unfortunately for the Cobbers they weren't able to continue that offensive output and lost 3-2 (23-25, 15-25, 25-14, 25-18, 15-5).

It marked the sixth time this season that Concordia has gone to five sets in a match and they are now 3-3 in those contests.   

The Cobbers were able to post wins of 25-23 and 25-15 in the opening two sets by putting down 14 kills in each bout and holding St. Mary's to an attack percentage of .200 or under in both sets.

St. Mary's then gained momentum and posted ascending attack rates of .286, .326 and .353 in the final three sets to take the come-from-behind victory.

Concordia finished the 5-set match by hitting .163 and recording 47 kills while the Cardinals posted a .235 attack mark and came away with 75 winners.

The Cobbers returned to their tough play at the net on defensive as they recorded 12 blocks in the match.

Bailey Gronner led Concordia with a career-high 13 kill. Her previous best was 12 against St. Ben's in the last match of last season.  

Kendra Wiggs, Brianna Carney and Gabby DeBoer all had five blocks in the match. Wiggs is now second in the MIAC in total blocks (86) and Carney is third at 85. Both Wiggs and Carney also had nine kills each while DeBoer added a team-high 24 digs.

Jill Klaphake saw the most time as the CC setter and led the team with 28 assists.    
      
UP NEXT: Concordia will have a week to prepare for Augsburg. The Cobbers will host the Auggies on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. That contest will be the start of a 5-match home stand.     

Saturday recaps sponsored by Bufffalo Wild Wings: Grab your friends and get to B-Dubs on Sunday nights for College Nights at 9 p.m. 50% off 1 food item with ID and $3 apps at the Buffalo Wild Wings located on Hwy 10 in Moorhead.