Posted: Jan 24, 2020
Althoff, Schwandt play well in Men's Volleyball season opener
Mount Union
(1-0,0-0 MCVL)
3
Concordia Wisconsin
(0-1,0-0 NACC)
1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mount Union (1-0,0-0 MCVL) | 25 | 19 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
|
Concordia Wisconsin (0-1,0-0 NACC) | 14 | 25 | 22 | 23 | 1 |
ANGOLA, Ind. -- Concordia Wisconsin began its season on Friday evening with a tough 3-1 loss (14-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-23) to Mount Union in non-conference play at the Off the Block Grow the Game Challenge.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Mount Union 3, Concordia Wisconsin 1 (14-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-23)
Location: MTI Center (Angola, Ind.)
Records: Mount Union 1-0, Concordia Wisconsin 0-1
Concordia Wisconsin grew stronger offensively as the match progressed and took the second set after hitting .185 (10K-5E-27A). They peaked with a .259 hitting percentage in the third frame, but wasn't able to maintain the lead late after holding a 21-20 advantage.
"We came out a little tight tonight and Mount Union's physicality and size gave us some issues early with set one," head coach Curtis Madson said. "I am very proud of how our guys settled back in sets two through four. We refocused and really played a nice match."
The Falcons recorded 8.0 team blocks in the contest and junior Blake Schwandt (Kenosha, Wis.) had one solo and three assisted. He also had seven kills. Sophomore James Althoff (Kenosha, Wis.) led all players with 18 kills after hitting .333, to go along with seven digs and two service aces. Freshman Dylan Griffith (Middleton, Wis.) posted a team-best eight digs and sophomore Turner Fuhrer (Kenosha, Wis.) had seven digs. Senior Matthew Korman (Roscoe, Ill.) dished out 32 assists, had seven digs, a solo block and three assisted.
"Blake and James really showed their leadership and experience, having big nights for us," Madson expressed. "It will be exciting to see them fill those roles as veteran leaders of this team. I think each night we have multiple guys we can rely on will be important and it was nice to see Blake step up and shoulder a big load with James tonight"
Mount Union was led by Justin Sibbel and Mark Bruns who combined for 24 kills. The Raiders hit .237 as a team.
Concordia Wisconsin next competes on Saturday in a pair of non-conference matches against Theil and Trine.
