SEWARD, Neb. – This was another indicator of just how good this Concordia University Volleyball team can be when things are clicking. In a matchup of two teams rated in the NAIA top 15, the eighth-ranked Bulldogs hit .380 and rolled past No. 13 College of Saint Mary in stunningly dominant fashion, 25-14, 26-24, 25-13, inside Friedrich Arena on homecoming Saturday (Sept. 17). Gabi Nordaker popped in a major way in the middle and setter Bree Burtwistle played the role of maestro for a red-hot offensive attack.
Head Coach Ben Boldt’s squad put together a fine week of conference play – one that also included a straight sets victory at Doane. Concordia has moved to 12-1 overall (3-1 GPAC) after toppling the previously unbeaten Flames (13-1, 3-1 GPAC).
“That was about as clean of a game as I’ve seen from us this year,” Boldt said. “Our challenge to them today was more in the endgame as far as being aggressive and being clean. I thought we did a good job of that throughout the entire match. We had a little bit of a lull because of our communication in the second set. We had to grind that one out and things fell where they did. We hit for a really high percentage, and everything was pretty good across the board.”
Considering all three Concordia-CSM meetings last season went to five sets, fans would have been wise to get comfortable and expect a lengthy match. The Bulldogs had other ideas on a late afternoon when they put all facets of the game together. Nordaker showed why she’s considered one of the best players in the GPAC while pummeling 13 kills and adding three blocks. Nordaker hit .500 while Ashley Keck pounded out 13 kills of her own (.500 hitting percentage).
The Stanton, Neb., native Burtwistle is setting it up on a tee for one of the most dangerous attacks in the nation. It’s time for Burtwistle (43 assists on Saturday) to get the credit she deserves. There’s a reason why the Bulldogs were confident moving forward despite losing a five-year starting setter. Said Nordaker of Burtwistle, “She’s done a great job. We take a lot of time to work on that setter-hitter connection. I think she’s been great, and she’s very vocal.”
Concordia owned statistical advantages across the box score: .380 to .135 in hitting percentage, 50-35 in kills, 5-3 in blocks and 47-39 in digs. Neither team managed an ace all night. Among additional statistical leaders, Kalee Wiltfong (nine kills) and Carly Rodaway (eight kills) were strong on the attack and Rebecca Gebhardt led the back row with 16 digs. Star Camryn Opfer added five kills and 10 digs.
The evidence is growing. This season has the makings of something just as special as any of the previous three. That being said, the Bulldogs will stay true to who they are. Said Nordaker, “It’s super exciting. This team is one of a kind. We trust each other like no other. I love to celebrate with them. I just know that no matter the outcome, I’m going to have a good time out on the court.”
Added Boldt, “I was happy how we stayed aggressive. Through a little adversity in the second set, we stayed together and worked through it. We continued to get better.”
The Flames never would have expected it to go down like this. Just after the match, CSM engaged in an extended discussion on court. Flame opponents had been hitting only .162 entering the weekend. Head Coach Rick Pruett’s squad was led on Saturday by the 11 kills of Makenna Freeman.
Two road matches are on the docket next week for Concordia, which now prepares to play at Mount Marty (6-6, 1-3 GPAC) at 7:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday. The Lancers’ one GPAC win came in four sets at Doane.