Chargers suffer 1st loss in 5 sets at No. 23 Skyhawks

DIXON — The Sandburg volleyball team took nationally ranked Sauk Valley to five sets, but the Chargers dropped their Arrowhead Conference opener 27-25, 20-25, 25-12, 21-25, 15-8 against the Skyhawks on Tuesday night.

The Chargers entered the match with a 6-0 record, while Sauk Valley came in ranked 23rd in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll.

Taylor Wagner and Natalie Burden each collected a double-double in the loss for Sandburg (6-1, 0-1). Burden had 15 kills and 17 digs, while Wagner matched her 15 kills and picked up 14 digs. Burden also served two of the Chargers' five aces.

Setter Grace Vyhnanek had 41 assists on the night, but Sandburg totaled just a .130 hitting percentage in the match compared to the Skyhawks' .198.

Libero Madeline Mooney had a career-high 49 digs to lead the Chargers defensively. Mooney's previous best was 39 on Sept. 23 last season against Moraine Valley. Vyhnanek and Abigail Shaffer each added 12 digs for Sandburg.

Olivia Falborg had four blocks for the Chargers, three of which were solo efforts. Ayla Cannon had three blocks in the defeat.

Lacey Eissens led Sauk Valley's attack with a match-best 20 kills.

UP NEXT
6 p.m. Thursday vs. No. 6 Illinois Central 

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