CHICAGO, Ill. – The University of Chicago volleyball team defeated Concordia University Chicago in straight sets before losing a five-set battle with Millikin University at the conclusion of the Gargoyle Classic on Saturday.

The Maroons are now 15-7 on the season.

Saturday was also Senior Day for a quartet of UChicago players – outside hitter Morgan Barry, defensive specialist Ariel Chang, middle blocker Kara Conway and libero Eirene Kim. Over the past four seasons, the class has a cumulative record of 101-35 (.743 winning percentage) and has qualified for the NCAA Division III Championship three times.

UChicago 3, Concordia Chicago 0 (25-15, 25-10, 25-12)

UChicago began the opening match of the day with two blocks as Concordia Chicago committed four attack errors. The lead grew from there to 12-6 and 21-11 as the home team took the first set 25-15. The Maroons scored seven of the first eight points in the second set all on kills. The offense took off from there and hit .577 in the set (17 kills versus two errors). UChicago went on a 10-2 run midway through and ran away with the second set 25-10.

UChicago hit over .500 again in the third set with 14 kills and only two errors. The team held leads of 10-3 and 20-9 and quickly finished off the match at 25-12. The Maroons hit for a season-best .487 attack percentage over the course of the victory with 44 kills. The Cougars were held to a .055 attack percentage and 18 kills.

UChicago Stat Leaders
Morgan Barry (Sr.) – 11 kills, 3 aces
Maren Loe (Jr.) – 10 kills, 7 digs
Jasmine Mobley (Jr.) – 9 kills
Ragine Graves (Jr.) – 17 assists, 11 digs
Erin Risk (So.) – 10 assists, 4 digs
Mary Claire Tuohy (So.) – 8 digs, 4 assists

Millikin 3, UChicago 2 (25-14, 21-25, 25-20, 17-25, 15-12)

After an early 3-3 tie, Millikin ran away with the first set thanks to a 12-4 run midway through. The visitors took the set 25-14 and hit for .448 attack percentage. The Big Blue looked poised to take the second set as well with a 17-10 lead. However, the Maroons reeled off eight-straight points to take the lead. Freshman setter Stephanie Sinnappan contributed to the run with three service aces. UChicago eventually evened the match, 25-21.

Both sides struggled offensively in the third set, combining for 14 attack errors compared to 18 kills. The Maroons took charge at 10-3, but the Big Blue responded and tied the score at 17-17. Millikin won four of the next five points and grabbed the set 25-20.

UChicago stayed persistent in the fourth set and gradually expanded an 8-7 lead into a 20-14 advantage. The Maroons won 25-17 to force a deciding fifth set. In the final stanza, Millikin rallied back with five-straight points and held on for a 15-12 victory.

UChicago totaled 49 kills, eight blocks, nine aces and a .186 attack percentage. Millikin also served up nine aces to go with 58 kills, five blocks and a .255 attack percentage.

UChicago Stat Leaders
Maren Loe (Jr.) – 14 kills, 13 digs
Morgan Barry (Sr.) – 11 kills, 17 digs
Ragine Graves (Jr.) – 40 assists, 13 digs, 4 kills
Kara Conway (Sr.) – 5 kills, 6 blocks

NEXT MATCHES:

• Saturday, October 4 – UChicago at UAA Round Robin #1 (Atlanta Ga.), 12 PM / 2 PM (ET)