MONMOUTH, Ore.—Seizing the momentum in the final two sets in a back-and-forth match, Concordia University defeated Western Oregon University, 3-1 (25-19, 24-26, 25-22, 25-20), in the GNAC Volleyball opener on Tuesday night.

Concordia (4-4, 1-0 GNAC) posted the match's strongest effort in the opening set but Western Oregon (3-5, 0-1 GNAC) immediately responded to even the match with a 26-24 win in the second.

Finishing with a slight edge, .182 to .149, in attack percentage, the Cavaliers upped their hit rate in the final two outings to close out the contest.

Looking to take a 2-1 overall lead, the Wolves kept the third set tight until the end as a combo block by Marlie Norman and Sophie Hall made it a one-point deficit at 22-21. The Cavs, however, forced attacking errors in three of the final four points to secure the win and retake the lead.

"We can be our best friends and worst enemies. We did a lot of good things throughout the match with solid rallies, but we sometimes got caught up in mistakes instead of rebounding from the play and looking forward," WOU head coach Tommy Gott said.

The final set was tied up at 11-11 before a six-point spree lifted the Cavs to the clinching win.

"Tonight's match was played well by both sides which made it a long four-set match. We did a good job of siding out and creating runs, but being able to extend those runs a little longer is what it will take to create that extra separation," Gott said.

CU's Tori Johnson led all players with 15 kills while teammates Karli Ernster and Camille Guerrero posted 11 kills each.

Mariella Vandenkooy paced WOU with 10 kills and was followed by Norman (9), Morgan Haskett (8) and Hall (7). The Wolves finished with a significant edge in total digs—86 to 71—with Leila Holt and Sierra Stultz each posting 20-dig performances.

"Our tip pursuit and coverage was great and our right-back defenders had a big night being able to react and pursue," Gott said. "We showed a lot of composure in the second set and had a lot of energy and positive communication. Making sure we continue that after the break and have that same energy will be a big aspect for us."

WOU will have a quick turnaround with a second home match this week as MSU Billings arrives in Monmouth for a match on Thursday, Sept. 6. Opening serve against the Yellowjackets is set for 7 p.m.