Homecoming Magic + Hall of Fame Inspiration = Win
Chalk it up to Homecoming magic or inspiration from the newest Hall of Fame member. Whatever the secret ingredient was, it cooked up a consistent, match-long performance from Concordia that led to the team’s first win of the 2024 season.
MOORHEAD, Minn. (9/29/24)---Chalk it up to Homecoming magic or inspiration from the newest Hall of Fame member. Whatever the secret ingredient was, it cooked up a consistent, match-long performance from Concordia that led to the team's first win of the 2024 season.
All-American, and Cobber Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductee, Becca (Shane) Jorgenson spoke to Concordia before the team's Homecoming match with St. Mary's and the Cobbers headed the inspirational words by cruising past the Cardinals 3-1 (25-17, 27-25, 18-25, 25-21).
The keys for the Cobbers on Sunday were their ability to finish strong at the end of sets and play solid defense at the net.
Concordia saved off a set point in the second set at 24-23 and recorded three of the final five points to take a 2-0 lead in the match with the 27-25 victory. The Cobbers closed out the match by going on a 4-0 streak at the end of set No.4 to turn a 21-21 tie scoreline into a 25-21 match-clinching win.
The Cobber defense held the Cardinals to a .136 attack percentage for the four sets. That is the second-lowest attack mark by an opponent in the season. CC was also able to come up with 96 digs, which is the highest dig total of the year for a non-5-set match.
The collective team's success was sparked by a Homecoming parade float full of season-best individual numbers.
Mallory Leitner and Maria Watt posted season-high kill totals, Anna Knain came through with season-high totals in assists and digs, while Elizabeth Naugle, Kelsi Martini and Cayla Sailer all had season-high dig totals.
Leitner put down 20 winners and hit .218 and Watt had 13 kills with a team-best .392 attack percentage.
Knain drove the Cobbers offense with 43 assists and helped the defense with 14 digs.
Naugle was all over the defensive side of the net and posted 27 digs to go with five assists. Martini and Sailer both had double-digit dig totals. Martini came away with 16 digs and Sailer was right behind with 14.
Concordia will host its only non-conference match of the year when they face Mayville St. on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
CONCORDIA vs. ST. MARY'S HIGHLIGHTS
