By Sam Firminhac, Athletic Communications
YANKTON, S.D. – The Concordia University Volleyball team came into Wednesday (Sept. 22)’s matchup against Mount Marty prepared, taking it in three sets, 25-16, 25-19, 25-14. The 19th-ranked Bulldogs have been sharp as of late, winning five consecutive matches. In the second meeting of the year between the two teams, the Bulldogs hit a smoldering .360 with a total of 44 kills and managed to hold the Lancers to an .021 hitting percentage and 22 kills.
The win moves Concordia to 9-5 (4-2 GPAC) while Mount Marty falls to 6-19 (0-6 GPAC). Taking care of business on Wednesday was important considering the strength of the GPAC, a league boasting six NAIA top 20 teams.
Head Coach Ben Boldt made sure his team didn’t overlook a struggling Mount Marty team. He alluded to one of his favorite quotes from his outside hitter Camryn Opfer in his post-game interview. Said Boldt, “Cam has a great quote that she has kind of set for this season. ‘Prepare for big moments and enjoy the ride’ and you know when we prepare it’s got to be a high level of preparation every single time that we step out there. It’s been a focus of ours and kind of a theme of ours this year.”
The match went about how the Bulldogs had hoped in never allowing the Lancers to crack 20 points in any single set. Erica Heinzerling and Carly Rodaway led the squad with 11 kills apiece with Rodaway hitting an astounding .625. GPAC Setter of the Week Tara Callahan handled racked up 35 assists while adding eight digs. In addition, Kalee Wiltfong posted eight kills and three blocks, Gabi Nordaker contributed seven kills and three blocks and Rebecca Gebhardt totaled a match high nine digs. Mount Marty was led by Alexis Kirkman and Alex Ruth, both with six kills.
“We responded well in some different lineup situations,” Boldt said. “I thought our mentality was great. You know, I see some good efficient hitting percentages from our middles, which is awesome. Our outsides were really efficient as well. I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better mentality from an execution standpoint.”
Concordia also toppled Mount Marty in straight sets in the season opener back on Aug. 25. The five-match win streak includes triumphs over then 18th-ranked Ottawa University (Kan.), Missouri Valley College, Doane, Hastings and Mount Marty.
The Bulldogs look to continue extend the streak at home as they host No. 17 College of Saint Mary (15-2, 5-1 GPAC) this Saturday with first serve at 4 p.m. CT. The two teams met in a five-set decision earlier in the year where the Flames got the win. CSM knocked off No. 1 Midland on Wednesday.