The Carl Sandburg College volleyball team kicked off its Arrowhead Conference schedule with a 25-13, 25-17, 25-22 loss at defending champion Sauk Valley on Tuesday.
The Skyhawks, ranked eighth in the nation, marked the fourth ranked opponent the Chargers (2-4, 0-1) have faced in their first six matches this season.
Sandburg’s attack was led by sophomore Lexi Strange (Emden, Ill./Hartsburg-Emden) and freshman Josalyn Owens (Lincoln, Ill./Lincoln), who each had six kills. Owens also notched a team-best two blocks for the Chargers.
Sophomores Emma Derry (Augusta, Ill./Southeastern) and Camerin Huizenga (Fulton, Ill./Fulton) each handed out 13 assists for Sandburg. Sophomore libero Adre Vetter (Emden, Ill./Hartsburg-Emden) had 15 digs for the Chargers.
Sandburg will travel to face Southeastern (Iowa) at 6:30 p.m. Thursday before the Chargers play their home opener at 7 p.m. Tuesday against Monmouth JV at John M. Lewis Gymnasium.