2022 Concordia Volleyball Schedule
SEWARD, Neb. – The start of the 2022 season for Concordia University Volleyball is just over two months away. The Bulldogs will embark on a new journey when the campaign officially gets underway on Aug. 18 with matches in Ashland, Ore. Head Coach Ben Boldt’s squad will make its first home appearance on Aug. 26 as part of the Bulldog Bash. The 2022 slate features three multi-match nonconference events that will prepare Concordia for the 16-game GPAC regular season gauntlet.
Boldt and company are coming off a run to the 2021 NAIA national quarterfinals and a No. 6 final national ranking. Due to the dynamics brought about by COVID-19, the Bulldogs actually reached the national round of eight twice during the calendar year 2021. Entering this season, Concordia has advanced to at least the national round of 16 in each of the past three campaigns.
The trip out west serves as the highlight of the nonconference slate. Southern Oregon University (Cascade Collegiate Conference member) will serve as the host of the event in Ashland, Ore., where both varsity and junior varsity matches will take place. The schedule for the two-day classic (Aug. 18-19) will put Concordia’s varsity up against the likes of Oregon Tech, Southern Oregon University and Park University (Ariz.). Also in nonconference action, the Bulldogs will host the Bulldog Bash (Aug. 26-27) and will take part in the CSM/United Sports Academy Siouxland Tournament on Sept. 2-3. Marquee nonconference opponents include the following teams that finished in the 2021 NAIA top 25: No. 7 Viterbo University (Wis.), No. 21 Oregon Tech and No. 23 Texas Wesleyan University.
The opening night of conference play is slated for Aug. 31 when Concordia will welcome Hastings to Friedrich Arena. The volleyball program will also be part of the homecoming weekend agenda. It will host College of Saint Mary on Sept. 17 in conjunction with homecoming. In a rematch of last season’s GPAC tournament championship match, the Bulldogs will be at Jamestown on Oct. 7. As usual, Concordia will play home and away against Nebraska rivals Doane, Hastings and Midland. The regular season will conclude at home on Nov. 1 versus Midland.
Dates for the GPAC tournament are Nov. 5 for the quarterfinals, Nov. 9 for the semifinals and Nov. 12 for the championship. As for the national tournament, the opening round is slotted in for Nov. 19 with action at the final site in Sioux City, Iowa, on the docket for Nov. 30 through Dec. 6.
Expectations will be high again for the Bulldogs, who were placed at No. 6 in the 2021 NAIA Postseason Coaches’ Poll (highest ranking in program history). Concordia brings back all-conference performers Gabi Nordaker (first team), Camryn Opfer (first team) and Carly Rodaway (honorable mention).
For an update on happenings this past spring for Concordia Volleyball, click HERE. The junior varsity slate can also be viewed via the schedule page link at the top of this release.