Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Coe opened conference play at home Wednesday, September 18^th, with a big win over Dubuque. The Kohawks won in four sets 25-23, 25-15, 7-25 and 25-20.
 
The Kohawks got to open conference play with a big test on their home floor. Dubuque won the conference tournament last year and was the preseason pick to win the conference this year. Coe was up to the challenge as they started the night strong and finished it off with a four-set victory.
 
Coe got the final two points of a back and forth first set to take the all-important opening set. With things tied at 23 the Kohawks followed up a Morgan Kluesner kill with an ace serve from Elli Teeple. The Kohawks carried the momentum of the first set into the second set. The Kohawks jumped out to a big lead with an eight-point run early and went on to win 25-15 in set two.
 
"Our defense was relentless tonight, which helped our offense stay aggressive and give us more options," Head Coach DeAnn Woodin said.
 
Coe looked like a different team in the third set as the Spartans battled. Everything went Dubuque's way as they were in complete control taking 12 of the first 14 points. The Spartans would take the third set 25-7.
 
The Kohawks were able to put the third set behind them as they responded right away in the fourth set by jumping out to an 8-2 lead early. Dubuque made their runs to get back in the set as they tried to extend the game but Coe was able to respond every time. The Kohawks got key points consistently to take fourth set 25-20.
 
"We just put it behind us and had a good reset mentality," Teeple said. "We really just wanted to finish it off!"
 
"We're very proud of the way our girls battled throughout the game and bounced back to finish," Woodin added. "It was a total team effort."
 
Kate Tidman lead the way for Coe with a double-double recording a team high 21 digs and 13 kills. Kluesner added 13 kills and and 14 digs for a double-double of her own while Teeple recorded a double-double with 39 assists and 10 digs. Madi Parson also had a double-double of with 12 kills and 12 digs.
 
Coe will host eight other teams this weekend in the Mabel Lee Invite. The Kohawks will play four games over two days at their home event. Their first game is 5 p.m. on Friday night against Carleton College. Coe will also play St. Olaf on Friday before finishing the weekend with UW-Eau Claire and UW-Platteville on Saturday.