The Spartan volleyball team defeated the visiting Cougars of Concordia University Chicago 3-1 (25-19,
19-25, 26-24, 25-19) on AU's senior night in Thornton Gymnasium Wednesday evening.
After a pre-game ceremony recognizing the Spartans four graduating seniors, AU came out with a scorching start to the night, capturing the opening set in front of the home AU crowd, 25-19. Senior outside hitter Jill Smart had two kills in the opening set and senior setter Christine Ozlanski dished out several of her game-high 19 assists in the set.
The quick start by the host Spartans was promptly halted though as the Cougars bounced back and took the second set 25-19.
The third set was a see-saw affair that saw AU eventually capture the set 26-24, led by junior outside hitter Vanessa Davids who had four kills in the set.
The Spartans kept the momentum from the third set victory and captured the fourth and final set 25-19, with junior outside hitter Amy Reynolds knocking down five kills in the deciding set.
The Spartans were led by junior outside hitters Michelle Sims (11 kills and 18 digs) and Vanessa Davids (11 kills and five blocks), senior setter Christine Ozlanski had 19 assists and seven digs and senior outside hitter Jill Smart (five kills, eight digs and seven blocks) kept the offense running all night.
The Cougars were led by senior middle blocker Jacquie Boatman (eight kills and six blocks) and senior outside hitter Alex Pinotti (six kills and 25 digs).
The Spartans improve their record to 16-14; 9-3 NAC and will be the No. 5 seed in the upcoming Northern Athletics Conference tournament.