Box Score

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – The Marian University volleyball team squandered a two-set lead, but rebounded to take a thrilling five-set victory (25-20, 25-13, 18-25, 23-25, 15-10) over the visiting Concordia University Falcons and move to 2-0 in Northern Athletics Conference play for its best start since 2008.

The Sabres took momentum from a four-set win – their first of the season – over Wisconsin Lutheran last Tuesday and turned it into a quick two-sets-to-none lead over the Falcons early on Thursday evening. Despite giving two sets back, Marian prevailed for the thrilling five-set win behind a career-high 41 assists for junior Katie Reimer. The Fond du Lac native added 14 digs to notch her seventh double-double of the campaign.

Marian improves to 2-9 overall, 2-0 in NAC play while the Falcons fall to 1-8 (1-1 NAC).

The Sabres used a .323 hitting percentage in the first set to give them the early advantage. In the second set, errors plagued the Falcons as they committed six costly miscues and just five kills as Marian took an early two set lead.

CUW would turn it around in the next two sets, using a .320 third set hitting percentage while inducing the Sabres to commit 19 errors combined in sets three and four. The Falcons were paced by double-digit kills from Amanda Wilke and Amanda Stahmann who tallied 11 and 10, respectively. Ashley Faber and Amy Gray each totaled double-digit assists to finish with Faber claiming 18 and Gray 13.

The fifth set started slow for the Sabres as CUW built an early 4-1 advantage, but a critical seven-point mid-set run, fueled by the precise serving by junior Carlie Kinsey propelled Marian victory.

Ashley Zumbrock came up huge on the defensive side of the ball with 17 digs. In addition to Reimer's 14, Kinsey also added 10.

Marian will host a triangular Saturday, Sept. 17, taking on the likes of UW-Stevens Point and Beloit College. Action is slated to begin at 10 a.m. as the Sabres and Pointers hit the hardwood.