(Grand Rapids, MI) – Concordia volleyball traveled to WHAC conference leader #21 Cornerstone on Friday night.  The Cardinals entered with a 7-11 overall record (7-8 WHAC) while the Golden Eagles featured a 17-2 record (13-1 WHAC).  CUAA battled hard in each set, but Cornerstone lived up to their ranking and won the contest in straight sets.

Kaitlin Veihl, Kayla Peters, and Tara Drinane all tied for the team lead with 7 kills apiece.  Abigail Austin had a team-high 13 assists.  Kayla Peters and Tara Schatzle tied for first with 10 digs each.

Set 1 – CU 25, CUAA 14

Tara Drinane made the first kill to open the game.  Concordia jumped out to a 5-2 lead after several Cornerstone errors.  Kayla Peters notched two early kills, but Cornerstone eventually doubled up the Cardinals 16-8.  Kaitlin Veihl ended the run with a kill and Abigail Austin made an ace, but Cornerstone was able to clinch set one 25-14.

Set 2 – CU 25, CUAA 12

Tara Drinane started set 2 with a kill.  Concordia kept the set close early on with two more kills from Kayla Peters.  Kaitlin Veihl notched a kill and Alexandra Lucaj recorded a kill as well, but Cornerstone was able to cruise to a 25-12 win in set two.

Set 3 – CU 25, CUAA 19

Tara Schatzle made the first kill in set 3 to tie the game 2-2.  After falling behind 9-6, the Cardinals took the lead on a 4-0 run with back-to-back kills from Kaitlin Veihl.  Veihl, Kayla Peters, and Tara Drinane continued to pick up kills down the stretch, but the Golden Eagles were able to finish off the game with a 25-19 win in set 3.

Concordia will play a rematch in their next game on Tuesday, March 30 when they host Cornerstone at 7:00pm.