CUC Bests Women’s Volleyball in Home Opener

September 14, 2017Posted in: Athletics

In front of an energized crowd, the Scarlet Hawks opened the home schedule on September 12 against Concordia-Chicago. Despite a strong effort in the third and fourth sets, the Cougars outlasted the Scarlet Hawks 3-1.

Scores

  • CUC 3, Illinois Tech 1 (18-25, 22-25, 25-15, 22-25)

How it Happened

  • Offense was hard to come by in the first set for the Scarlet Hawks. Illinois Tech managed just a -.045 hitting percentage in the first set as CUC downed the Hawks 25-18.
  • In set two, the Scarlet Hawks kept things close throughout, holding several slim leads until the Cougars broke through late. CUC held off the Hawks 25-22.
  • Set three was impressive for Illinois Tech. After a negative percentage on the attack in the first two sets, the Scarlet Hawks adjusted and had a season-best .476 hitting percentage. Sara Hassell led the team with six kills in the set as the Scarlet Hawks moved closer.
  • The fourth and final set was tightly contested after CUC opened with a 5-0 run. Illinois Tech came back to take a 8-7 lead and no team led by more than two until a 3-0 Cougars run made the score 23-19. Illinois Tech fought to stay alive, but a Juila Spitell kill ended the match.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

  • Hassell totaled 16 kills, nine digs, five aces, and two block assists.
  • Taylor Burton added nine kills and six total blocks (three solo, three assisted). She also had a .300 hitting percentage.
  • The setting duo of Courtney Darling (16 assists, nine digs) and Natalie Freund (15 assists, 10 digs, one ace) posted similar statlines.

Stats to Know

  • CUC out hit the Scarlet Hawks .157 to .076.
  • Both teams were active at the net. Illinois Tech had 13 total blocks while CUC tallied 15.
  • The Scarlet Hawks had nine aces compared to four for the Cougars.

Up Next

  • The Scarlet Hawks will compete at the St. Mary of the Woods Tournament in Terre Haute, Indiana. Illinois Tech will face Florida National on Friday, September 15 at 3 p.m. CT and UC Clermont at 7 p.m. On Saturday, September 16 they’ll face Florida College at noon and St. Mary of the Woods at 2 p.m.
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