Volleyball splits home non-conference matches

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin split a pair of non-conference home matches against UW-Whitewater and Maranatha Baptist University on Friday inside the R. John Buuck Field House. The Falcons fell 3-1 (22-25, 25-17, 25-27, 24-26) to the Warhawks before defeating the Sabercats in sweeping fashion 3-0 (25-9, 25-23, 25-14).

Freshman Ashley Jehlicka (Salem, Wis.) recorded her fourth career triple-double in the opener after smashing 14 kills, assisting on 17 kills and digging 18 attack attempts. She also had five block assists. Senior Hannah Griffiths (Antigo, Wis.) and sophomore Karina Klotz (Hubertus, Wis.) each had a double-double on the day. The Falcons served 11 combined aces in the matches and recorded 22 total team blocks.

UW-W 3, CUW 1

The match was intense from start to finish, with 17 scoring ties and six lead changes, along with a numerous whistles by the officials that upset the coaches. CUW (9-3) hit .156 for the match, served six aces and had 12 total blocks. UW-W (10-5) recorded a .188 attack percentage, had four service aces and posted nine total team blocks.

The opening frame was the most contested between the two teams, as the score was tied seven times and changed hands on five occasions. The Falcons led 22-20 and looked to be in control, but the Warhawks capitalized on three-consecutive attack errors to regain the lead. A service ace and a kill gave UW-W an early one set advantage.

CUW led 6-1 before holding off a mini UW-W scoring run to put together a scoring spree and led sizably, 20-10. The Falcons would eventually win 25-17 to even the match against UW-W, who is receiving votes it the latest AVCA poll.

A service ace by Griffiths knotted the scoreboard at 23-23 deep in the third frame. Following a Lauren Pfeifer kill and error, along with a Brittney Langley kill, the Warhawks led 25-24. CUW wouldn't go away quietly though after a timely kill by freshman Kaily Moegenburg (Plymouth, Wis.) tied the score at 25-all. A kill and service ace ensued to give UW-W a 2-1 lead.

CUW fell behind early in the fourth set and trailed throughout until tying the match several times near the end, including 24-24 after a UW-W attack error. However, the Warhawks' Kristin Ruchti smashed a kill and the Falcons were called for a ball handling error to end the set and match.

Klotz led CUW with 24 assists, while senior Erin Howard (Labadie, Mo.) dug 27 attack attempts. Moegenburg recorded a career-high 11 kills and Griffiths ended with 11 kills and 19 digs.

Ruchti paced the Warhawks with 17 kills, Kim Frei led all players with 42 assists and Kelsey Nobilio had a match-high 32 digs.

CUW 3, MBU 0

Head coach Janelle Gabrielsen-Katz rotated her lineup often for the nightcap and played all 17 players that dressed for the Falcons. CUW hit .197 for the match and recorded 10 total team blocks, while holding MBU to a dismal -.023 attack percentage in the sweep.

The opening frame didn't last long, as the Falcons won 25-9 behind eight players who recorded at least one kill. Jehlicka and Klotz assisted on all 16 kills in the frame.

CUW and MBU tied five times in the second set and the lead changed sides three times. The Falcons were down 23-19 before scoring six-consecutive points to win and excite the crowd. The final four points scored came via the kill, with freshman Megan Jehlicka (Salem, Wis.) recording the winning kill.

A 15-4 scoring run in favor of the Falcons ended the third set and match. During the run, the Sabercats committed five errors, while CUW smashed 10 kills.

Numerous Falcons received extensive playing time in the contest and freshman Kathryn Walters (Madison, Wis.) took advantage with nine digs, while freshman Amanda Lehnerz (West Bend, Wis.) had three kills and eight digs.

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CUW returns to the court on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. Northern Athletics Collegiate College match at MSOE.