#6 Madonna 3, Concordia 0

(September 23, 2008 - Livonia, Mich.) -- The Concordia volleyball team has played two conference matches, both against one of the top teams in the NAIA in Madonna University. After a spirited home loss earlier in the season, the Cardinals struggled on the road Tuesday night in a straight-set loss to Madonna 3-0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-21).

Concordia had limited offensive opportunities throughout the match and were outplayed at the night throughout. Lubovj Tihomirova and Mary McGinnis dominated the front court as the duo combined for 28 kills while the Cardinals only mustered 24 as a team. Ashley Hart (Fr. - Birmingham, Mich.) lead Concordia with a half-dozen, with Erica Manning (Sr. - St. Johns, Mich.) and Shawna Dorton (Sr. - Lincoln Park, Mich.) each adding five.

The first set began as a tight-knit affair with Madonna holding the slimmest of margings at 7-6. However, the Crusaders put together a three-point run and the Cardinals could never get closer than three the rest of the way.

Inta Grinvalds managed the Madonna offense fluidly as she finished with 39 assists on the evening, while Concordia's Rachel Compton (Jr. - Ann Arbor, Mich.) finished with 20 for the visiting Cards.

The second set was decided early as the Crusaders jumped out to a quick 9-3 lead. After a kill by Hart, the Cards pulled within five, but Madonna tacked on another three points before they stopped their own run with a service error by Megan Fricke.

But Madonna quickly got back to work as they mounted a seven-point run to build a 19-5 lead essentially putting the set in the win column. Concordia would score four of the last 10 points as they would fall 25-9.

With a vaunted Crusader attack, Concordia was on the defense with Ashley Zair (Jr. - West Bloomfield, Mich.) and Shilo Stewart (Jr. - Brighton, Mich.) leading the team with seven digs each. Danielle Guss (Fr. - Temperance, Mich.) added five for Concordia.

The third, and what would be the final set, was a testament to the character of the Cardinals. Faced with daunting odds, Concordia battled Madonna to the end falling 25-21.  While never able to secure the lead in the set, the Cards were also never down by more than four points even pulling within striking distance late with the Crusaders up 21-20. But the effort would fall short as Madonna was sweep the match.

Concordia (12-9, 0-2 WHAC) returns to action quickly as they host Cornerstone University on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. The Golden Eagles enter action with a 10-7 overall record and a 1-0 mark in conference play.