Stars offense too much for Volleyball to handle

MEQUON, Wis. – The Dominican University Stars showed why they are atop the Northern Athletics Conference standings on Wednesday against Concordia University Wisconsin. Playing tough throughout the entire match, the Falcons lost 3-0 (13-25, 17-25, 18-25) to the Stars behind an enthusiastic home crowd inside the R. John Buuck Field House.

A reputation the Falcons have garnered during this season of grinding out close sets was not on display, as they were overmatched by the Stars early, playing from behind in each of the three sets.

DU (19-3, 8-1 NAC) was a force to be dealt with right out of the gate, taking an early 4-0 lead in the first set and the momentum carried over throughout the entire match. CUW (5-18, 2-6 NAC) finished the match with a .025 attacking percentage compared to .214 by DU, who lead the match in every major statistical category.

The Falcons had a few bright spots with sophomore Carley Valentine ( De Pere, Wis.) smashing five kills, assisting on 14 kills and digging 12 attack attempts. Sophomore Hannah Griffiths (Antigo, Wis.) accumulated six kills and 10 digs of her own.

Leading the way for DU was Caitlen Foote and Jacy Lawrence. Foote had a stellar game notching eight kills to go along with 10 digs, while Lawrence on the other hand led all players with 12 kills and had seven digs. Christina Wilson lead the Stars with 22 assists.

The Falcons have a strenuous road ahead of them in order to qualify for the NAC Tournament, needing to win three out of there next four matches to have a chance. Next up is conference-leader Edgewood College (19-4, 8-1 NAC) at home on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.