Nevinski leads defensive shutdown of Cougars

MEQUON, Wis. – Lauren Nevinski highlighted the defensive front line for Concordia University Wisconsin as they swept Concordia University Chicago, 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-12), inside the R. John Buuck Field House on Fright night. The victory keeps the Falcons atop the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference standings.

CUW ended with seven total blocks, but influenced numerous Cougar attack attempts throughout the match. Nevinski (freshman, New Berlin, Wis.) had three block assists, while seniors Britta Duchow (Potter, Wis.) and Hannah Griffiths (Antigo, Wis.) each had three block assists.

As the defense was shutting down CUC, the CUW offense quietly and impressively hit .494 for the match. Overall, the Falcons had four players with double-figure attacks who hit above .500, while Griffiths led all players with a .647 attack percentage (11K-0-17A).

Griffiths finished with a match-best 11 kills and three other Falcons each had seven kills, including Nevinski. The setting duo of sophomore Karina Klotz (Hubertus, Wis.) and freshman Ashley Jehlicka (Salem, Wis.) combined for 34 assists.

Defensively, senior Erin Howard (Labadie, Mo.) posted 11 digs, while Griffiths recorded nine digs and Jehlicka had eight.

Kaylyn Anderson led the Cougars with nine kills and Jackie Bartnicki assisted on 19 kills. Olivia Friedrichs led the defense with nine digs, while Allison Back recorded eight digs.

The opening frame went back and forth early with six scoring ties and four lead changes, until CUW took a 7-6 lead which it didn't give up. The Falcons held a two-point lead, 17-15, before scoring eight-consecutive points to win the opening set 25-15. During the scoring run, Griffiths served a pair of aces.

CUC (4-15, 1-2 NACC) held a slight 7-6 lead in the second set, but it didn't last long as CUW rattled off a 19-7 scoring run to win. During the set, six different Falcons recorded at least one kill.

CUW (15-4, 4-0 NACC) led from start to finish in the third and deciding set. They exploded out to a commanding 14-3 lead and never looked back, as they posted an impressive .571 attack percentage. The victory was the 10th sweep of the season for the Falcons.

CUW hosts Benedictine University (6-15, 4-0 NACC) on Saturday at 12 p.m. inside the R. John Buuck Field House for a NACC matchup.