CCU Volleyball wrapped pool play with a 3-1 win over Grace College Friday at the 2014 NCCAA National Tournament in Kissimmee, FL. Still unbeaten in NCCAA play, the Cougars will advance to this afternoon's quarterfinal match with a 3-0 tournament record.
 
After cruising past their competition on day one, Colorado Christian met with strong opposition Friday. The two-three matchup had CCU up against a tough 29-10 Grace squad that flexed strength at the pins and a strong blocking game. Still, a hot Christian offense continued their strong play – and though they committed 11 attack errors in their set-two loss – the Cougar assault proved too much for the second-seeded Lancers. A 61-kill effort earned the blue and gold the win and a number one seed coming out of pool play.
 
"I think that we went into the match knowing it was going to be a blood-bath," said junior setter Jordan Carswell after the win. Carswell wrapped the match with 24 assists. "Rather than taking that with a negative mentality, we consistently played with energy and determination. Our work ethic showed throughout the whole match and everybody played their hearts out."
 
Four Christian players closed out the match with double-digit kills, with Kaylee Pierce and Taylor Sturms setting the bar at 17 and 16 kills, respectively. The most sparks came on defense, however, as a Joelle LeFevre-led squad outdid the Lancers in a 78-dig effort. LeFevre notched 21 digs – her fifth 20+ dig effort of the season.
 
CCU's defensive influence was felt at the net too, as Christian middles Ali Weber and Angie Jurek helped the Cougars to a 10-block match (five apiece). Sturms added four blocks of her own to assure the junior from Lone Tree would close out the contest with one of her most well-rounded showings of the season (16 kills, 16 digs, five assists, 1 ace).
 
Another match awaits the Cougars today – they'll play Houghton College for a chance to advance to tomorrow's semi-finals.
 
"I think we're playing with passion and the fire that we need to get this done, all together. Going into quarterfinals I believe that we need to focus on playing like each serve, set, dig, swing, is game point and playing with the togetherness that we know how to win with! We're excited and ready to fight for what we came to Florida for."