Cavaliers Gut Out Road Victory at NU
KIRKLAND, Wash.—Behind 20-kill performances by Lindsay Fryer and Mariana Toscano, Concordia University pulled through in five games to defeat Northwest University 3-2 in Cascade Collegiate Conference volleyball action (30-22, 25-30, 25-30, 30-20, 15-9).
Trailing two games to one, the Cavaliers offense clicked for a .378 hitting percentage in game No. 4 to balance the slate before continuing the streak for a 15-9 win in the clinching game.
“Any win on the road is a good win,” Concordia head coach Christopher Duenow said. “We haven’t won there in four years so that was a big one to overcome. Now we just need to keep this momentum on track.”
After starting the season 0-4 in a tough non-conference schedule, the Cavaliers have taken four of its last five matches to up its mark to 4-5 on the year. With the setback, Northwest dropped to 1-2.
Desiree Fuhrmann (Sumner, Wash.) pulled in a double-digit tally in three categories by notching 10 kills, 11 digs and a team-leading 30 assists. Lauren Richards (Ventura, Calif.) added 22 assists and Rachel Cotter had a game-high 19 digs.
Tarah Patrick recorded 42 assists for the Eagles. With 20 successful strikes, CU’s Toscano (Portland, Ore.) and Fryer (Bremerton, Wash.) shared the game high for kills.
“Ultimately the match came down to us relaxing and not forcing play,” Duenow said. “The team showed some good composure down the stretch where each person settled down and showed responsibility for their role.”
The Cavaliers return to action at Corban College with a match on Tuesday, Sept. 11. First serve is set for 7 p.m. in Salem, Ore.