CHICAGO, Ill. – Chicago State volleyball showed strong stretches of play and balanced effort across the lineup in a 3-1 setback to Saint Francis University on Friday evening at the Jacoby Dickens Center.
The Cougars came out with energy, claiming the opening set 25-20 behind a dynamic offensive attack led by
Nayella George and
Leah Linares Castro. George tallied a team-high 11 kills on the night along with two blocks, while Linares Castro added nine kills and 16 digs, showing her all-around impact on both ends of the floor.
Vasiliki Dagre chipped in seven kills and three blocks, while
Zeynep Ertam contributed nine assists and nine digs to pace the offense. Libero
Alyssa Ferreira anchored the back line with a match-high 20 digs and two service aces. Chicago State also recorded eight total team blocks, marking one of their top defensive outings in conference play.
After the Cougars took the first set, the Red Flash found their rhythm in the final three frames, taking them 25-20, 25-18, and 25-18. Despite the final result, Chicago State's energy and execution in the opening set highlighted the team's growth and competitiveness down the stretch of the 2025 campaign.
Chicago State (1-22, 1-12) returns to action tomorrow to close out the series against Saint Francis University where the Cougars will host Senior Day. First serve is set for 1 p.m.
