Falcons edge Spartans in tightly contested NACC match

AURORA, Ill. – It was close from the opening start until the final point was recorded, but Concordia Wisconsin earned a tightly contested 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-23) victory at Aurora on Friday evening. The Falcons remain atop the NACC standings with an undefeated 3-0 league record.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 3, Aurora 0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-23)
Location: Thornton Gymnasium (Aurora, Ill.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 12-5, 3-0 NACC; Aurora 13-7, 3-1 NACC

HOW IT HAPPENED
- In a matchup that featured nine scoring ties and five lead changes, it appeared closer than it might have actually been. Both teams went back-and-forth in the first two sets before the Falcons took control in the decisive third frame.
- A pair of scoring runs were highlighted in the opening stanza, as Aurora used a 7-0 run to go ahead 14-10. However, Concordia Wisconsin answered with six unanswered points to retake the lead, 16-14. The Falcons would eventually take the first set, 25-23.
- Concordia Wisconsin jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead to begin the second set, but Aurora slowly chipped away at the deficit and forced the visitors into a timeout after getting to within a point, 19-18. The Falcons had a trio of kills and a service ace down the stretch and earned a 25-19 win.
- Scoring streaks of five, four and three points in a row were enough throughout the third set to give Concordia Wisconsin enough momentum to earn the sweeping victory.
- Junior Kaily Moegenburg (Plymouth, Wis.) led the Falcons with 10 kills and five of her teammates had at least six kills. She also had 10 digs for a double-double.
- Senior Karina Klotz (Hubertus, Wis.) had 19 assists, while sophomore Ashley Jehlicka (Salem, Wis.) posted 10 assists, seven kills, five digs and two block assists.
- Sophomore Lindsey Casper (Hubertus, Wis.) ended the match with 12 digs.

BEYOND THE RESULTS
- The Falcons are now 9-5 in matches away from home.

THE OPPOSITION
- Peyton McKenzie led all players with 12 kills, while Katie Vondra had 10 kills and nine digs.
- Emily Lines recorded 29 assists and 13 digs. Sarah Marinez led all players with 16 digs.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- The Falcons travel to Concordia Chicago for a 12 pm NACC match on Saturday to conclude their six-match road trip.