ONE STEP CLOSER

SWEEP OF BLUEFIELD STATE MOVES CU TO VERGE OF TOURNAMENT BID

Amber Miller Kill vs BSC 216 x 314
The Concord Volleyball team went into Friday with two home matches left and a mission to win them both to qualify for next week's WVIAC Tournament.

Half of that mission is accomplished.

The Lady Lions held on to win the first set, then cruised through the next two in sweeping WVIAC local rival Bluefield State, 25-23, 25-16, 25-13 Friday night at the Carter Center.

The win ended a nine-match losing streak and raised CU to 9-23, 4-8. The Lady Blues left Athens in last place in the league at 1-28, 0-13.

The first set swung back and forth, with neither side able to open a clear advantage until Concord pulled ahead 24-20. Even then, BSC fended off three straight set points before Concord closed it out.

After that, the Lady Blues' lack of a consistent front-line threat began to show and CU took command. In the last two sets Concord totaled 27 to Bluefield State's 15. For the match, CU out-killed the visitors 40-24.

Seniors Amber Miller (above left) and Emily Wilson – playing in their penultimate match at the Carter Center – each slammed 13 kills to lead Concord. Tori Fornadel added nine.
Helen Theisen directed the offense to the tune of 36 assists. Miller added to her work at the net with 11 digs.

Kiara Watkins topped BSC with seven kills. Annie Conklin chipped in 12 digs.

Emily Wilson Kill vs BSC 314 x 208
Concord outhit Bluefield State .271 to .175. The Lady Lions had 38 assists to BSC's 15. However, the Lady Blues, in trying to fend off the Concord attack, ended up with 50 digs. Concord needed 35.

Up next for Concord is a quick turnaround and a pivotal WVIAC matchup with Davis & Elkins Saturday morning at the Carter Center. The Lady Lions need a win to qualify for the league tournament, and will look to atone for a five-set loss to D&E in a non-conference match last month.

It's also Senior Day, the final home match for Miller, Wilson and Kayla Martin – all of them four-year starters.

Match time is 10:00 am. Admission is free.


(Photos by Concord Sports Information)



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