(Ann Arbor, MI) The Cardinals continued their competitive WHAC scheduling with a matchup against Siena Heights University. The Saints came into the match having won 4 of their last 5 matches. The Cardinals appeared posed for an upset after taking the first set, 26-24 but eventually fell to the Saints in four sets.
Where it Happened:
Cardinal Field House – Ann Arbor, Michigan
Concordia University Ann Arbor (1-10) vs. Siena Heights University (9-4)
How it Happened:
1st Set: The Saints jumped out to a strong 7-0 lead to start the set, but after a timeout from Coach Cook, the Cardinals started to chip away at the lead. The lead would briefly extend to 8 points (largest of set) but the Cardinals tied it up at 18-18 and eventually won the set, 26-24. The Cardinals recorded a season high 15 kills with a hitting percentage of .214. (SO). (26-24 win; CUAA 1, SHU 0)
2nd Set: The Saints and Cardinals played evenly to start the second set. The Saints relied heavily on their rally defense in order to start to pull away to the largest lead of the set, 21-14 (7 points). 14 errors for the Cardinals allow the Saints to pull away and eventually even the match. (25-18 SHU win; CUAA 1, SHU 1)
3rd Set: The Saints came out to another strong start forcing an early Cardinal timeout. They soon would jump to a set-leading 7 point lead and wouldn't look back. A late rally for the Cardinals injected some much needed energy and points into the set, but the Saints managed to secure the set win. The Saints had great backline adjustments that handled the Cardinals serving well towards the end of the set. (25-21 SHU win; CUAA 1, LTU 2)
4th Set: The Cardinals kept it close in the early goings, but The Saints would build their lead to 12 points. The Cardinals were unable to mount a comeback due to 11 errors. The Saints recorded 11 kills and eventually won the match. (25-14 LTU win; CUAA 1, LTU 3).
Gabrielle den Boer (SO/Canton, MI) and Madelyn Kragt (SO/Grand Rapids, MI) paced the Cardinals offensive attack recording 12 kills. Lena Thompson (JR/Howard City, MI) took sole setting responsibilities for the match to record a career high 38 assists. Janie Bunge (SR/Ottawa Lake, MI) anchored the defense with 26 digs. Madelyn Kragt continued to make her presence known at the net with 7 block assists.
What's Next:
Concordia Ann Arbor will be back in action September 26, 2018 at 7 p.m. as they play on the road against Indiana Tech.
