ST. PAUL, Minn. – The third-ranked Concordia University volleyball team made quick work of Sioux Falls on Saturday afternoon in NSIC action, defeating the Cougars by scores of 25-12, 25-17 and 25-12. The Golden Bears improve to 8-1 overall and 2-0 in the NSIC, while the Cougars fall to 8-3 overall and 0-2 in the conference.

Cassie Haag (Plymouth, Minn.) tallied a season-high 18.5 points on 15 kills, three block assists and two solo blocks. She also hit a team-high .500 attack percentage. Libero Cassie Weaver (Lakeville, Minn.) recorded a career-best 19 digs, while Amanda Konetchy (Victoria, Minn.) served up 33 assists.

Set one didn't start out so well for the Golden Bears as Sioux Falls led 5-1 early with the help of four CU errors. But Concordia settled down and eventually took a 9-8 lead and never let go. The Bears took 16 of the last 20 points for the win. The Cougars couldn't get much offense going and hit at a -.167 attack rate.

The Bears took control of the second set early and led by as much as 12 points at 19-7, but the Cougars answered with a 9-to-2 run, cutting the deficit to five. A kill by Haag and two Sioux Falls errors ended the set, though.

The third set ended the same way as the first at 25-12, but this time the hosts earned the first point and never gave up the lead. Concordia saved its best offensive showing for last, attacking at a .429 rate (18-3-35) in the final set.

CU is back on the road on September 18 at No. 11 Minnesota State. The first match of the season between the Golden Bears and Mavericks is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. in Mankato.