SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The second-ranked Concordia University volleyball team claimed its tenth consecutive victory Saturday afternoon, defeating Augustana in straight sets. The Golden Bears won by scores of 25-19, 25-18 and 25-23 to improve to 20-3 overall and 14-2 in the NSIC.

Kayla Koenecke (Delano, Minn.) and Ashley Murtha (Apple Valley, Minn.) paced the squad as each recorded a double-double. Koenekce led the team with 13 kills and 10 digs, while Murtha posted 11 kills and 10 digs as well. Ellie Duffy (Fridley, Minn.) and Cassie Haag (Plymouth, Minn.) also had double digit kills with 11 and 10, respectively. Libero Taylor Dordan (Blaine, Minn.) was the third team member to register 10 digs, while Amanda Konetchy (Victoria, Minn.) served up 44 assists, leading to a .339 team attack percentage.

The first set was the most competitive with 11 scoring ties and five lead changes. Augustana took a 16-15 lead midway through the set, but the Golden Bears went on a tear with eight unanswered points for a 23-16 lead.

The second set was also a back-and-forth battle to start with six ties and three lead changes that resulted in an 11-11 tie. The Bears then took four straight points and never gave up the lead en route to a seven-point margin of victory.

Augustana had an early 3-2 lead in the final set before CU took it right back. A 10-to-3 run gave the Navy and Gold a 12-6 lead that was too much of a deficit for the Vikings to dig out of. Augustana came within one point late in the set at 24-23, but a kill by Murtha completed the three-set sweep.

Concordia is back at the friendly confines of the Gangelhoff Center on November 1 where it has won all 12 home matches this season in straight sets. The Bears will take on Winona State at 7:00 p.m.