PORTLAND, Ore – Simon Fraser University defeated Concordia University 3-1 (19-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-20) in GNAC volleyball action at Cavalier Gymnasium on Friday night.
 
The win improved the Clan's record to 11-12 overall, 7-8 GNAC.
 
In a battle for fifth place in the conference standings, Concordia (15-8, 7-8 GNAC) jumped out to the early lead with a convincing 25-19 win that saw the home side lead for all but a single point. Even though the Cavs outhit Simon Fraser, .159 to .138, Concordia's serve receive plagued the team in the ensuing sets.
 
SFU controlled the second set by generating a 15-8 lead on a Christine Howlett kill. The Cavs evened the game at 16-16, the first of three ties late in the set, but ran out of steam with the Clan evening the match with a six-point spree.
 
Finding their game flow along with big blocks from Tessa May, Madison Power and Rachel Vanstone, SFU swept the next three sets 25-19, 25-20 and 25-20. Having lost to the Cavaliers in five sets only weeks prior, SFU wasn't going to let a slow match start determine the outcome again.
 
"Our defense did a great job of keeping us in long rallies tonight," said Clan head coach Gina Schmidt. "Offensively, it was nice to see all our hitters get key kills at different times throughout the match."
 
Outside hitter Devon May led her team in kills tonight with 13 total followed by Emma Jennings and Tessa May with 9 and 8, respectively. Libero Alison McKay led defensively with 28 digs total in the four sets and Tamara Nipp chipped in with 39 assists.
 
Simon Fraser returns to action Saturday against Western Oregon.
 
This coming Friday November 13th SFU will take on the University of Alaska Anchorage at 7PM in the West Gym. There will be a pre- and post-game tailgate at Club Ilia featuring food, beverages and games beginning at 5 PM.
 
-- @SFUClan --