After finishing in sixth place with a record of 20-14 (9-7 GPAC) during the 2006 season, the Bulldogs were picked to finish in the exact same spot, sixth in the 2007 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Tuesday, August 7.
Hastings College topped the poll with 138 points and six first place votes. Northwestern (5) and Dordt (2) received the other first place votes. The complete GPAC Poll is listed below:
- Hastings
- Northwestern
- Dordt College
- Doane College
- Briar Cliff University
- Concordia University
- Morningside College
- Nebraska Wesleyan
- Dakota Wesleyan
- University of Sioux Falls
- Midland Lutheran
- Mount Marty College
- Dana College
Concordia returns four starters off last year's squad, including 6-2 middle blocker senior Katie Werner, a three-time All-GPAC performer. Last year Werner totaled 441 kills, averaging 3.87 kills/game. She also racked-up 190 blocks.
Concordia Head Coach Rachel Miller, in her third season, is excited for the upcoming season.
"With the majority of our team back we have a fairly experienced squad," said Miller. "The GPAC is always tough, but we think we can compete for one of the top six spots."
The Bulldogs open the season with a bang, hosting Hastings College, the 2006 GPAC regular season champion, on Aug. 29 in a 7:30 p.m. contest. The Bulldogs have just nine home contests during the regular season, including a non-conference match with in-state foe College of St. Mary on Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m.