CHICAGO, Ill. – In a competitive conference match up, Illinois Tech dropped a four-set battle to Concordia Chicago (25-18, 23-25, 23-25, 21-25) at Keating Sports Center on Tuesday night. The Scarlet Hawks now stand at 9-15 overall and 4-5 in NACC play, while Concordia Chicago improves to 10-13 overall and 4-5 in conference competition.
How It Happened
Illinois Tech started the match with intensity, controlling the pace early in the first set. The Scarlet Hawks executed well on offense, hitting .306 as a team and maintaining steady defensive pressure.
Jelani Kimoto and
Paul Henderson led the attack, finding gaps in Concordia Chicago's blocking scheme and combining for 11 kills in the set. A key service run from
Elijah Johnson helped Illinois Tech extend its lead late in the set, and the Scarlet Hawks comfortably closed it out 25-18 to take an early advantage.
The second set saw a significant momentum shift. Concordia Chicago adjusted its defense and forced Illinois Tech into more difficult attacking situations. Despite an early 7-5 lead by the Scarlet Hawks, the Cougars began to dictate the tempo midway through the set. Illinois Tech struggled to close out points, and despite a late push that narrowed the score to 24-23, Concordia Chicago managed to finish the set on a Tyler Holubek kill.
The third set was a continuation of the second in many ways, featuring multiple lead changes and momentum swings. Concordia Chicago started strong, quickly establishing a small lead with efficient attacking and solid defensive plays. Illinois Tech responded with key kills from Henderson and Kimoto, keeping the score close.
Trailing 16-21, Illinois Tech called a timeout and immediately bounced back, going on a 7-3 run to bring the score to 24-23. The rally was highlighted by two Dowling kills and strong overall team play, forcing multiple Cougars errors. However, the comeback fell just short as, with the score at 24-23 in favor of Concordia Chicago, Jackson Stella delivered the decisive kill off a set from Elijah Mosher, securing the set victory at 25-23.
Facing elimination, Illinois Tech came out aggressive in the fourth set.
Maximo Dowling and Kimoto provided a spark with crucial kills, while
Elijah Johnson dished out 13 assists. However, the Cougars managed to pull away late, sealing the match with a 25-21 win.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Concordia Chicago Standouts
- Alexander Ford: 11 kills (.375)
- Tyler Holubek: 16 kills, 15 digs
- Elijah Mosher: 5 kills (.556), 46 assists
Inside the Box Score
- Illinois Tech held the edge in kills (59-45) and assists (56-52).
- Concordia Chicago controlled the game at the net, leading in blocks (13-5).
- Illinois Tech's .306 hitting percentage in the first set was its strongest offensive performance.
- The match featured 34 ties and 16 lead changes, highlighting the intensity of play.
Up Next
Illinois Tech will look to bounce back in its next match as it hosts St. Norbert on Saturday, March 29, at 1:00 p.m. in another important NACC matchup.
