North Central College tops Concordia University Chicago, 3-0
North Central (IL) opened its season with a 3-0 victory over Concordia Chicago on September 1, 2026, at Geiseman Gymnasium in River Forest, IL, winning by set scores of 25-18, 25-22, and 25-23.
The Cardinals out-killed the Cougars 28 to 17 and held a decisive edge on the service line, tallying 15 aces to Concordia Chicago's 8. North Central's attack efficiency told the story across the match — the Cardinals posted a .133 clip in Set 1 while holding CUC to -.158 — though the Cougars tightened the gap considerably in Sets 2 and 3, finishing at -.026 for the match compared to NCC's .030. Concordia Chicago held a slight edge in blocks (6 to 2), but NCC's serve-receive pressure and kill volume proved the difference.
Abby Buban led all players with 10 kills and added 10 digs for a double-double to go along with a match-high 11.5 points. Ava Hoff contributed 9 kills and 6 digs, while Lauren Benson chipped in 7 kills and 4 aces. Sarah Harvey orchestrated the offense with 25 assists. For Concordia Chicago, Malainna Adler anchored the back row with 10 digs and distributed 14 assists, while Ava Quevedo led the Cougars with 5 blocks.
In Set 2, North Central trailed 3-8 before Lauren Benson reeled off three consecutive aces to key a run that tied the set and sparked a comeback finish, 25-22.
The win moves North Central to 1-0 on the season.
