Mequon, Wis. — It was a tough night at the office for Illinois Tech women's volleyball Wednesday night, as Concordia University Wisconsin (5-9, 2-0 NACC) swept the Scarlet Hawks (3-11, 0-3 NACC) in straight sets, 25-13, 26-24, 25-13. The Falcons' efficient attack was highlighted by a .343 hitting percentage in the first set.
Illinois Tech began the opening set against the Falcons with a strong 4-0 run, highlighted by a service ace from
Sydney Wilson and kills from
Victoria Aspurez and
Karla Trautmann Mendez. However, the Falcons responded by capitalizing on several attack errors by Illinois Tech, eventually taking the lead at 7-6. The Falcons maintained momentum, with Kayla Mulder and Skylar Kumprey contributing key kills, pushing the home team to a 20-10 advantage. Despite efforts from Illinois Tech, including multiple kills from Trautmann Mendez, the Falcons secured the opening set with a 25-13 victory.
In the second set, the Falcons gained an early advantage with Abby Proefrock contributing two kills to help establish a 4-1 lead. Illinois Tech fought back with key plays from Aspurez and Trautmann Mendez, closing the gap to 7-6. Concordia responded with a service ace from Paige Stickney and maintained a slim lead. Illinois Tech rallied to tie the score at 20-20, aided by a service ace from
Brooke Rifkin. However, the Falcons regained momentum with Olivia Ibeling's decisive kill and eventually pulled away to secure set two, 26-24.
In the third set, Concordia capitalized on early errors to build a strong lead against Illinois Tech. A service ace by Brianna Lundt and consecutive kills by Ibeling contributed to a 6-0 start for the Falcons. Illinois Tech managed to cut into the deficit with key kills from Trautmann Mendez and Wilson, bringing the score to 13-8. However, Concordia's consistent attacking, highlighted by Emily Dickmann and Stickney, extended their lead. Despite a late kill by
Cecilia Veters, the Falcons secured the set with a 25-13 win, concluding with a kill from Dickmann.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Karla Trautmann Mendez
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- 10 kills
- 10 digs
- 11.5 points
Rowan Midgette
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- 22 assists
- three kills, with a .600 hitting percentage
- six digs
Sydney Wilson
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- 13 digs
- one service ace
Victoria Aspurez
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- six kills
- 6.0 points
Concordia Wisconsin Top Performers
Paige Stickney
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- 7 kills
- 0.538 attack percentage
- 2 service aces
- 3 total blocks
Olivia Ibeling
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- 10 kills
- 0.364 attack percentage
- 2 total blocks
Kayla Mulder
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- 9 kills
- 0.563 attack percentage
- 1 total block
Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech is now 1-8 lifetime against Concordia Wisconsin, dropping the last four contests.
Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks continue their travels this Saturday, October 4th, when they head to Fond du Lac, WI, to face Marian University. The match is set for noon.
