PLYMOUTH – The Concord volleyball team definitely had to earn its Northern Lakes Conference championship.

The Minutemen capped off back-to-back big road wins Tuesday night with an NLC win at Plymouth to claim the league crown.

Concord defeated the host Pilgrims 25-22, 17-25, 25-23, 25-21 in the NLC finale for both teams.

Concord, which won 3-1 at Warsaw last Thursday night, finishes 6-1 to claim the conference title. Plymouth, which also lost to Northridge 3-2, finishes 5-2 in league play. Warsaw, which lost a 3-1 final to Plymouth, was also 5-2 in NLC action. Northridge is 4-2 in NLC play with its conference finale versus Wawasee Thursday night.

Audrey Staggs slammed down 20 kills to pace Concord to the win over Plymouth.  Grace Kindy had 12 kills and Ella Cunningham 11.

Cunningham also had four aces, while Sage Iavagnilio and Kennedy Sullivan each had a pair. Junior setter Sullivan also had 58 assists in the win. Cortnee Coffin had four blocks and Staggs and Cunningham each had three.

Coffin and Aubrey Hanes are the lone seniors this season for coach Kelly Chupp’s team.

Keegan Thursby led the defense with 20 digs and Iavagnilio had 14.

Concord, which returned nine letter winners from last year’s team that finished 16-14, improves to 24-6 overall.

Concord will play at Jimtown Thursday. The Minutemen then face Goshen on Oct. 20 in the Warsaw Sectional.

Plymouth drops to 20-12 overall.