Defense shines in home opener

MEQUON, Wis. -- Concordia Wisconsin's defense was superb on Friday night, recording numerous triple blocks to shut down Millikin during a 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-16) victory in its home opener inside the R. John Buuck Field House.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 3, Millikin 0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-16)
Location: R. John Buuck Field House (Mequon, Wis.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 2-2; Millikin 0-4

QUOTING CODY SCIABICA


HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Falcons ended the match with 14.5 total team blocks, which one just one shy of tying the program record set last season and had at least 4.5 in each set. The third set they posted 5.5 blocks to limit the Big Blue to a dismal -.167 hitting percentage.
- It was a complete team effort as well with seven players making highlight defensive plays at the net and in the end junior Blake Schwandt (Kenosha, Wis.) recorded seven blocks (two solo). Sophomore James Althoff (Kenosha, Wis.) added six blocks of his own, while sophomore Cody Sciabica (Henderson, Nev.) tallied four blocks.
- Meanwhile, the offense was balanced during the home opener with a .214 hitting percentage. Sciabica led the way with nine kills (.318 hitting percentage). Althoff also had seven kills, to go along with a match-high three service aces. Schwandt ended with five kills and freshmen Connor Rasch (Racine, Wis.) and Andy Ellingham (Burlington, Wis.) each had four kills. Senior Matthew Korman (Roscoe, Ill.) had 24 assists, seven digs and three blocks.
- The Falcons connected in the second set with a .303 hitting percentage. They also flexed their muscle early jumping out to an 11-2 advantage in the opening set. During the third set, they turned a 7-7 tie into a 22-12 lead before walking off the court with the sweeping win.
- Millikin was led by Jose Gallardo with six kills, while Willie Valentine had 12 digs.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- Concordia Wisconsin hosts Olivet (12 pm) and Maranatha Baptist (4 pm) on Saturday during the final day of the CUW Invitational.