Valentine records triple-double, Volleyball falls in five-set thriller to Aurora

MEQUON, Wis. – Junior Carley Valentine recorded her fourth career triple-double, but it was not enough as the Concordia University Wisconsin Volleyball team fell victim to Aurora University in a five-set thriller Saturday at the R. John Buuck Field House. Aurora won the final three sets after falling behind, 2-0.

The Falcons won the first two sets by scores of 25-23 and 25-21 before falling in the final three, 21-25, 23-25, 13-15. Despite the loss, CUW will be the number five seed in the NACC Tournament, with their tournament matchup yet to be determined. CUW built a 12-9 in the fifth and final set, but Aurora rallied for six of the final seven points to win 15-13.

Valentine (De Pere, Wis.) posted totals of 11 kills, 26 assists and 10 digs in the win. She recorded a .147 attack percentage (11-6-34), while finishing with 12.5 points. It was her third triple double of the season, her other two coming against Ripon College and Lakeland College.

Freshman Karina Klotz (Hubertus, Wis.) and junior Hannah Griffiths (Antigo, Wis.) each posted double-doubles for the Falcons. Griffiths led the team with 16 digs, while totaling 13 kills and Klotz finished with 15 digs and 21 assists. Valentine and Klotz each did a tremendous job setting up the Falcon hitters, combining for 47 of the team's 53 assists.

Senior Ashley Faber (Kewaskum, Wis.), who was one of three seniors being celebrated Saturday, led CUW with 14 kills and a .360 attack percentage. As a team the Falcons had a .148 attack percentage, while Aurora posted a .161 attack percentage. Fellow senior Lauren Dumke (Wauwatosa, Wis.) posted a team-best five blocks for the Falcons.

Aurora was led by Andrea Kappelman who finished with a match-high 19 kills, while adding 14 digs. Katie Olsen finished with 27 digs in the match to lead all players, while Lexi O'Boyle and Destiny Stuersel combined for 49 assists, 27 and 22 each, respectively.

All five sets were closely contested as it was back-and-forth all afternoon. The biggest lead for either team was eight points, which happened on a couple different occasions in the fourth set for Aurora.

CUW will return to action next weekend when they take part in the Illinois Wesleyan University Barker Classic. The Falcons will play four matches, two on Friday and two on Saturday, beginning with a contest against Simpson College Friday at 3 p.m. The NACC Tournament is set to begin November 5 where CUW will visit either Dominican University, Benedictine University or Lakeland College.