Belles Take Down Cougars, Fall in Five to Lady Blues

CUC Box Score - Illinois College Box Score

• Nicole Lukens and Marielle Corbett had double-doubles in both matches for the Belles.
• Rachel Bonek posted double-digit kills in both matches.
• Morgan VanderWey collected 102 assists in two contests, and Audrey Shannon picked up 45 digs.

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - The Saint Mary's volleyball team claimed a 3-1 win over Concordia University Chicago before falling in a 3-2 match to the host Lady Blues on day two of the Illinois College Tournament II.

The first match of the day for the Belles saw Saint Mary's take a 3-1 (25-17, 24-26, 28-26, 25-12) win over Concordia University Chicago. Nicole Lukens continued her strong weekend by leading the team with 17 kills and 22 digs. Marielle Corbett picked up a double-double of her own with 13 kills and 12 digs. Rachel Bonek added 12 kills and seven digs. Morgan VanderWey had 35 assists, 11 digs, and three service aces. Audrey Shannon posted 13 digs and three aces for the Belles.

The final match of the tournament was a 3-2 (21-25, 25-23, 25-21, 26-28, 15-10) battle which saw the Belles come up just shy against host Illinois College. Marielle Corbett had a match-high 28 kills to go with 17 digs. Nicole Lukens posted her second double-double of the day with 19 kills and 22 digs. Rachel Bonek joined with with a double-double after tallying 18 kills and 18 digs. Morgan VanderWey had the most assists in a match in over a decade for the Belles with 67 while picking up 18 digs. Audrey Shannon led all players with 32 digs.

After the conclusion of the tournament, Nicole Lukens was named to the all-tournament team. The sophomore had 70 kills and 74 digs in four matches of the weekend as the Belles posted a 3-1 record at the event. Lukens also added a solo block and six block assists in the four contests combined.

The Belles (5-5) travel to Albion on Tuesday, September 19 for a 7:00 p.m. contest against the Brits.