2008 - Vollyball schedule/results

9-22 overall, 5-11 GPAC - View stats for the season

AUGUST
Red Raider Classic
Aug. 29	vs. Mayville State (N.D.)	Orange City, Iowa	L 3-0
Aug. 29	vs. Valley City State (N.D.)	Orange City, Iowa	L 3-1
Aug. 30	vs. Grand View (Iowa)	Orange City, Iowa	L 3-1
Aug. 30	vs. Black Hills State (S.D.)	Orange City, Iowa	L 3-0
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 2	Hastings College*	Hastings, Neb.	L 3-0
Sept. 9	College of St. Mary	Omaha, Neb.	L 3-1
Bronco Invitational
Sept. 12	vs. College of the Ozarks (Mo.)	Hastings, Neb.	L 3-0
Sept. 12	vs. College of St. Mary	Hastings, Neb.	L 3-1
Sept. 13	vs. Park University (Mo.)	Hastings, Neb.	W 3-2
Sept. 13	vs. Oklahoma Baptist University	Hastings, Neb.	L 3-2
Sept. 17	Doane College*	Seward, Neb.	L 3-0
Sept. 19	York College	Seward, Neb.	W 3-0
Sept. 23	Nebraska Wesleyan University*	Seward, Neb.	L 3-0
Bellevue University Tournament
Sept. 26	vs. Columbia (Mo.)	Bellevue, Neb.	L 3-0
Sept. 26	vs. Bellevue University	Bellevue, Neb.	L 3-0
Sept. 27	vs. Kansas Wesleyan	Bellevue, Neb.	W 3-0
Sept. 30	Midland Lutheran College*	Fremont, Neb.	W 3-2
OCTOBER
Oct. 3	Northwestern College*	Orange City, Iowa	L 3-0
Oct. 4	Mount Marty College*	Yankton, S.D.	L 3-1
Oct. 8	Dana College*	Seward, Neb.	W 3-0
Oct. 11	Dordt College*	Seward, Neb.	L 3-0
Oct. 15	Doane College*	Crete, Neb.	L 3-0
Oct. 21	Nebraska Wesleyan Univ.*	Lincoln, Neb.	L 3-0
Oct. 24	Dakota Wesleyan Univ.*	Mitchell, S.D..	W 3-2
Oct. 25	University of Sioux Falls*	Sioux Falls, S.D.	W 3-1
Oct. 28	Hastings College*	Seward, Neb.	L 3-0
Oct. 31	Briar Cliff University*	Seward, Neb.	L 3-0
NOVEMBER
Nov. 1	Morningside College*	Seward, Neb.	L 3-0
Nov. 4	Midland Lutheran College*	Seward, Neb.	W 3-1
Nov. 6,8,12,15	GPAC Tournament
Nov. 6	Dakota Wesleyan	Seward, Neb.	W 3-1
Nov. 8	Morningside	Sioux City, Iowa	L 3-0

*Denotes GPAC games

Home Contests In Bold

2008 - Volleyball roster

No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Yr.	Hometown	Previous School
1	Hannah Sikkenga	S	5-5	Fr.	Montogomery, Texas	Montgomery
2	Esther Mehl	OH	5-5	So.	Concordia, Mo.	St. Paul Lutheran
3	Nicki Axelson	DS	5-6	Fr.	Thornton, Colo.	Denver Lutheran
4	Marlee Denton	MB	6-0	Fr.	Fremont, Neb.	Fremont
5	Kelsey Walford	OH	5-10	Fr.	Colo. Springs, Colo.	Manitou Springs
6	Sally Schwarz	DS	5-4	So.	Ballwin, Mo.	Parkway West
7	Megan Billos	OH	5-9	Fr.	McAlester, Okla.	McAlester
8	Karissa Weinrich	S	5-6	Fr.	Fremont, Neb.	Fremont
9	Heidi Zoucha	RS	5-10	Sr.	Columbus, Neb.	Central CC
10	Kaylie Mellema	S	5-11	Fr.	Axtell, Neb.	Axtell Community
11	Dani Hoagland	MB	6-0	Jr.	Rushville, Neb.	Gordon-Rushville
12	Kelsey Affolter	MB	5-11	Jr.	Dickinson, Texas	Santa Fe
13	Alexa Oelke	OH	5-11	So.	Dalhart, Texas	Dalhart
14	Valerie Schick	RS	5-11	So.	Meadow Grove, Neb.	Lutheran High NE
15	Chelsea Vaudt	MB	6-0	So.	Kalispell, Mont.	Flathead
16	Abby Klein	MB	5-6	So.	Dallas, Texas	Dallas Lutheran
17	Kirsten Kohlwey	DS	5-6	Fr.	Seward, Neb.	Seward
18	Ashlea Vaudt	RS	5-11	Fr.	Kalispell, Mont.	Flathead
19	Morgan Hohbein	MB	5-10	Fr.	Lincoln, Neb.	Lincoln Lutheran
21	Lauryn Nyhoff	RS	5-10	So.	Lincoln, Neb.	Lincoln Lutheran
24	Debbie Kirchner	S/RS	5-9	So.	Clarinda, Iowa	Clarinda

Red Raider Classic not kind to Bulldogs

29-30 AUG 2008

The Concordia University volleyball team had a rough start to the beginning of the 2008 season dropping four matches at the Northwestern College Red Raider Classic in Orange City, Iowa.

In the first match of the weekend the Bulldogs youth was overmatched as Concordia started three freshmen and two sophomores who had yet to see action in a varsity match. Mayville State took advantage besting the Bulldogs in three sets, 20-25, 11-25, 25-27. Dani Hoagland led the Bulldogs with 13 kills while Chelsea Vaudt added six assisted blocks with two solo blocks.

In match two the Bulldogs showed improvement but were still taken down in four sets by Valley City State, 21-25, 25-21, 21-25, 19-25. Kelsey Affolter led the offense with seven kills and 12 digs while Kelsey Walford added six kills and 13 digs.

"We had bright spots in each position," said head coach Rachel Miller. "We need to be more consistent. Missed serves really hurt us today and we have to be more aggressive on defense."

Day two was much of the same as the Bulldogs dropped the first match to Grand View in four sets, 25-27, 26-24, 15-25, 16-25, before dropping the last match of the weekend to Black Hills State in three sets, 25-27, 21-25, 15-25.

Next action for the Bulldogs comes Tuesday, September 2 as they travel to Hastings, Neb. to open up Great Plains Athletic Conference play against the Hastings College Broncos at 7 pm.

Bulldogs drop GPAC opener

2 SEP 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team dropped its Great Plains Athletic Conference opener Tuesday night to the Hastings College Broncos 3-0 at Lynn Farrell Arena in Hastings, Neb.

The Broncos, who received votes in the NAIA preseason poll, jumped on the Bulldogs early and made short work of the young Concordia team. The Bulldogs bowed out after three games, 25-18, 25-13, 25-17.

"Our serve receive was solid," said head coach Rachel Miller. "Our Blocking struggled, but we played much better tonight than we did over the weekend. We had a better rhythm but still need to be more aggressive on defense."

The Bulldogs get a chance to recover as they don't play again until September 9, in Omaha, Neb., against the College of St. Mary Flames.

Tigers too much for Bulldogs

17 SEP 2008

The Concordia University volleyball team's struggles continued Wednesday night as the Doane Tigers systematically dismantled the young Bulldog squad in three games, 25-13, 25-21 and 25-23 at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

Doane (15-3, 2-0 GPAC) was able to hang on against the Bulldog's (1-10, 0-2 GPAC) final push in game three to cruise to victory. The Tigers were led by freshman Terra Andreason with 10 kills and five digs, while Chelsee Marvin added eight kills for Doane. The Bulldogs were led the trio of Dani Hoagland, Kelsey Affolter and Chelsea Vaudt, all with six kills a piece. Lauryn Nyhoff led the Concordia defense with 18 digs.

The Bulldogs will look to rebound this Friday night, Sept. 19, in a non-conference matchup with the York College Panthers at 7:30 p.m. at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

Bulldogs handle Panthers in three games

19 SEP 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team got back on the winning track Friday night with a 3-0 (25-14, -22, -15) victory over the York College Panthers at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

The Bulldogs used a strong performance from junior outside hitter Kelsey Affolter, who netted eight kills on 18 attempts, while Lauryn Nyhoff's eight digs shored up Concordia's defense.

"It was a good win for us," said head coach Rachel Miller. "I was happy to see our aggressiveness at the serving line and finishing with more aces than errors on the night. Our strong showing at the net is something we need to continue."

The Bulldogs will continue their homestand this week, as the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves visit for a 7:30 p.m. matchup on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Prairie Wolves sweep Bulldogs

23 SEP 2008

Results

The Concordia University volleyball team's conference struggles continued Tuesday night as they were swept by the Prairie Wolves of Nebraska Wesleyan University 3-0 (25-19, -17, -13) at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

The Prairie Wolves (8-2, 2-0 GPAC), led by Abby Bade's 13 kills, overpowered the young Bulldog defenders. Concordia (2-10, 0-3 GPAC) put up seven blocks in the match and on offense were largely held in check. Concordia landed 24 kills on 92 attempts while Nebraska Wesleyan racked up 52 digs on the evening.

The Bulldogs will travel to Bellevue, Neb., for the Bellevue University tournament this weekend. On Friday, Sept. 26, the Bulldogs take on Columbia College and host, Bellevue University, before taking on Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Bulldogs 1-2 in weekend tournament

26-27 SEP 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team had a busy weekend as the Bulldogs took part in the Bellevue University (Neb.) Tournament in Bellevue, Neb.

The Bulldogs began the weekend taking on nationally ranked Columbia College (Mo.). Columbia took the court ranked No. 6 in the nation and showed why they are garnering so much national respect as they dispatched the Bulldogs in three sets, 25-14, 25-15, and 25-16.

"They (Columbia) played a fast pace offense," said head coach Rachel Miller. "We just needed to play better defense in order to play with a team like that."

The weekend didn't get any easier for the Bulldogs as later that same evening Concordia was set to take on nationally ranked No. 7 Bellevue University.

The Bruins, playing on their home court, made quick work of the young Bulldogs, picking up the victory in three sets, 25-12, 25-19, and 25-17.

Concordia was able to close out the weekend with a victory over Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday evening in three sets, 25-10, 25-20, and 25-22. Chelsea Vaudt led the Bulldogs with 12 kills. Another bright spot for Concordia was improved serving. The Bulldogs, who have struggled serving this season, picked up seven service aces.

"We played much better and this was a good win for us," said Miller. "It gives us some good momentum to take into the game against Midland."

The Bulldogs will next be in action Sept. 30 as they travel to Fremont, Neb. for a 7 p.m. meeting with the Midland Lutheran Warriors.

 

Bulldogs drop two over weekend

3-4 OCT 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team's struggle to gain momentum continued this weekend as the Bulldogs dropped their Friday match at Northwestern College 3-0 and then lost 3-1 Saturday at Mt. Marty College.

Friday's games went 25-17, 25-16, and 25-14, with the Northwestern Red Raiders dominating action from beginning to end.

"They (Northwestern) were just a far superior team tonight," said head coach Rachel Miller. "We did some good things and played as well as we have all season."

Chelsea Vaudt led the Bulldogs with seven kills and five blocks while Heidi Zoucha led the defense with 10 digs.

On Saturday the Bulldogs traveled to Yankton, S.D., to face Mt. Marty and came out firing on all cylinders. The Bulldogs would take the first set 25-16 before the Lancers came storming back to take the remaining three sets, 25-19, 25-14 and 28-26.

"We again had an amazing set one, but just were not able to sustain that same effort for the remaining sets," continued Miller.

The match went the way of the Bulldog attackers. Concordia had eight kills and one error in set one before falling off to seven kills and 10 errors in set two. Dani Hoagland led the offense with nine kills on the evening.

The Bulldogs return home to take on the Dana College Vikings on Wednesday, Oct. 8. First serve for the J.V. match is at 6 p.m. The varsity match follows at 7:30.

Bulldogs dominate Vikings

8 OCT 2008

The Concordia University volleyball team used an excited home crowd to gain momentum in a 3-0 (25-12, -18, -12) defeat of the Dana College Vikings Wednesday night at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

The Bulldogs used double-digit kills from sophomores Lauryn Nyhoff and Chelsea Vaudt (each with 11) and a strong performance from freshman setter Kaylie Mellema (32 assists) to power through the Vikings.

Concordia (5-15, 2-5 GPAC) had one of its strongest hitting percentage matches of the season as the Bulldogs hit .409, .190 and .381. The Vikings (11-13, 2-5 GPAC), on the other hand, were held to .095, .103 and -.095 hitting in the three sets.

The Bulldogs will welcome the Dordt Defenders to the Doghouse for a 3 p.m. matchup on Saturday, Oct. 11, in Seward, Neb.

Defenders make quick work of Bulldogs

11 OCT 2008

The Concordia University dropped a home contest Saturday afternoon to the Dordt College Defenders in three games, 25-15, 25-22, 27-25, at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

"We played a good team well for the most part," said head coach Rachel Miller. "The biggest thing that hurt us was letting them go on a few big runs in each game. I was pleased with our defense and the production from our outsides."

The Bulldog offense was led by Kelsey Affolter and Lauryn Nyhoff who each totaled nine kills for the match. The defense was led by Heidi Zoucha with 17 digs while Nyhoff added 12 digs.

The loss drops the Bulldogs to 5-16 overall and 2-6 in the GPAC while Dordt moves to 22-5 overall and 6-2 in GPAC play.

The Bulldogs will travel to Crete, Neb., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, to take on the Doane College Tigers at 7:30 p.m.

Doane sweeps Bulldogs

15 OCT 2008

The Concordia University volleyball team was swept in three straight sets (25-9, 25-11, 25-8) by the Doane College Tigers Wednesday night in Crete, Neb.

The Bulldogs were held in check offensively with only 11 kills on 71 attempts in the three set match. The Tigers, on the other hand, amassed 39 kills on 74 attempts with only eight errors. Doane also tallied 14 service aces on the evening.

The loss drops the Bulldogs to 5-17 overall and 2-7 in GPAC play while the win moves the Tigers to 19-6 overall and 6-3 in the GPAC.

The next action for the Bulldogs comes Tuesday, Oct. 21, as Concordia makes the short trip to Lincoln, Neb. to take on the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves at 7:30 p.m.

Prairie Wolves handle Bulldogs in three

21 OCT 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team was on the losing end of 3-set sweep (25-18, -17, -13) by the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves Tuesday night in Lincoln, Neb.

Concordia's offensive woes continued as the Bulldogs hitting percentage was .048.  The Prairie Wolves hit for a .204 clip. The Bulldogs registered one solo block and four block assists on the night.

The loss drops the Bulldogs to 5-18 overall and 2-8 in the GPAC while Nebraska Wesleyan moves to 14-8 overall and 5-5 in GPAC play.

The next match for the Bulldogs will be Friday, Oct. 24, as Concordia travels to Mitchell, S.D., to take on the Tigers of Dakota Wesleyan at 7:30 p.m.

Bulldogs charge back to nip Tigers

24 OCT 2008

The Dakota Wesleyan University volleyball appeared to be on the verge of a crucial Great Plains Athletic Conference victory numerous times Friday night, but a resilient Concordia University squad fought back each and every time to steal a 3-2 win.

The Tigers (13-16, 3-8) seized the first two games, 32-30 and 25-22, before falling 25-22, 25-21 and 16-14 as the Bulldogs (6-18, 3-8) stormed back from the brink of elimination to stun Dakota Wesleyan on its home court in the Christen Family Wellness Center.

After the Tigers won a marathon game to open the match, they seized control with an impressive performance in game two. In the third game, Concordia opened up a 20-14 lead, but DWU roared back to tie the score at 20-20. However, the Bulldogs were able to regroup and stay alive with a 25-22 victory.

The match appeared to be over in the fourth game. Dakota Wesleyan took a 6-1 lead right out of the gates and led for most of the game, but the Bulldogs won five points in a row to rally from a 19-17 deficit to a 22-19 lead, and they took care of business from there to force a fifth and final game.

The deciding game featured the same momentum swings that were the signature of Friday's match. DWU charged out to an 8-3 lead, and a Concordia serving error put the Tigers on the doorstep of victory with a 14-10 lead. However, the Bulldogs somehow rallied to win the final six points of the match and pull off the improbable comeback.

Jen Miner led DWU with 17 kills and Maria Wieneke added 11 kills in the loss. Dena Kopfmann had 30 digs and Morgan Carlson finished with 32 assists and 24 digs. Julie Givan and Allison Hajek had 10 digs apiece and Jayna Morrill had a solo block and six block assists.

Chelsea Vaudt led Concordia with 16 kills, while Kelsey Affolter added 13 and Lauryn Nyhoff finished with 11. Kaylie Mellema finished with 43 assists, Nicki Axelson had 30 digs, Nyhoff had 21 digs and Heidi Zoucha finished with 20 digs. Dani Hoagland had five block assists.

*Story courtesy Matt Higgns - Dakota Wesleyan*

Bulldogs take down Cougars

25 OCT 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team finished off its most successful weekend of play to date with a three-sets-to-one (25-19, 23-25, 25-16, 25-22) victory over the University of Sioux Falls Cougars Saturday night in Sioux Falls, S.D.

"Our defense was more aggressive this weekend," said head coach Rachel Miller. "It was something we have been lacking. I am very proud of our effort; we knew these were must-have matches and stepped up."

The Bulldogs were led by sophomore Chelsea Vaudt with 10 kills on 29 attempts, four solo blocks and five assist blocks. Dani Hoagland added nine kills to help pace the offense. Three Bulldogs registered double-digit digs on the night with Kelsey Affolter leading the way, accumulating 16 while Nicki Axelson had 12 and Lauryn Nyhoff contributed 10.

"We talked a lot about control this week in practice," continued Miller. "We did a good job of controlling the tempo of the game and our emotions when the game was close. Chelsea (Vaudt) had a good weekend at the net, and we need that to continue next week."

The win moves the Bulldogs to 7-18 overall and 4-8 in the GPAC while the Cougars fall to 14-19 overall and 1-11 in the GPAC.

The next action for Concordia comes Tuesday, Oct. 28, as the Hastings College Broncos come to the Doghouse. The first serve is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Broncos have Bulldogs' number

28 OCT 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team gave the 20th-ranked Hastings College Broncos everything they could handle in set one before falling in three straight sets (27-25, 25-12, 25-9) Tuesday night at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

The Bulldogs rallied in game one and fought off two set points before falling 27-25. The Broncos then took the momentum of set one and ran away from Concordia in sets two and three.

The Concordia offense was strongest in set one as the Bulldogs racked up 14 kills but were held in check in the final two sets as the Bulldogs managed just eight kills for the remainder of the match.

With the loss Concordia drops to 7-19 overall and 4-9 in the GPAC while the win moves Hastings to 28-6 and 10-3 in the GPAC.

The next home action for the Bulldogs will be Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. in a match against the Chargers of Briar Cliff University. Concordia will host "Trick-or-Treat at the Doghouse" that night, and fans are encouraged to come in costume for the game. Prizes will be awarded to those with the best Halloween attire.

Bulldogs fall to Mustangs

1 NOV 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team showed determination early but couldn't hang with the Morningside College Mustangs in a 3-0 (29-27, 25-18, 25-15) defeat at the Doghouse Saturday night in Seward, Neb.

The Bulldogs couldn't close out the Mustangs in game one and were leading the Mustangs 15-6 in game two before Morningside stormed back to win 25-18.

Concordia struggled in the attack aspect of the game as the Bulldogs hit .256 in game one but then were held to .081 in game two and -.043 in game three.

The loss drops the Bulldogs to 7-21 overall and 4-11 in the GPAC while the Mustangs move to 32-4 overall and 13-2 in the GPAC.

The next action for the Bulldogs comes on Tuesday, Nov. 4,  as the Warriors of Midland Lutheran College come to the Doghouse with the match beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Bulldogs take down Warriors, set sights on GPAC tournament

4 NOV 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team secured the No. 7 seed for the upcoming Great Plains Athletic Conference post-season tournament with a 3-1 (25-18, 20-25, 25-18, 26-24) victory over the Midland Lutheran College Warriors Tuesday night at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

The Bulldogs cruised in set one 25-18 before suffering a setback in set two falling 25-20. They then rallied in sets three (25-19) and four (26-24) to earn the victory.

Concordia was led offensively by Dani Hoagland with 12 kills on 21 attempts while Lauryn Nyhoff led the defense with 21 digs and Chelsea Vaudt added three solo and two assisted blocks.

The win moves the Bulldogs to 8-21 overall and 5-10 in the GPAC while the loss drops the Warriors to 2-24 overall and 2-14 in the GPAC.

With the victory Concordia earns the No. 7 seed for the post season tournament. Since the top seeds receive byes, the Bulldogs will host the No. 10 seeded Dakota Wesleyan Tigers on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Seward, Neb.

Bulldogs move past Tigers into second round of GPAC tournament

6 NOV 2008

The Concordia University volleyball team earned a first round GPAC tournament victory Thursday night, defeating the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers, 3-1 (25-18, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21) at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

The Bulldogs were led offensively by Dani Hoagland with 18 kills on 32 attempts while Lauryn Nyhoff added 10 kills. Nicki Axelson led the defense with 18 digs and Nyhoff added 13.

The victory allows the Bulldogs to move on to the second round of the GPAC tournament where they will face the No. 2 seed Morningside College Mustangs on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Sioux City, Iowa. 

The Concordia University volleyball team earned a first round GPAC tournament victory Thursday night, defeating the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers, 3-1 (25-18, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21) at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

The Bulldogs were led offensively by Dani Hoagland with 18 kills on 32 attempts while Lauryn Nyhoff added 10 kills. Nicki Axelson led the defense with 18 digs and Nyhoff added 13.

The victory allows the Bulldogs to move on to the second round of the GPAC tournament where they will face the No. 2 seed Morningside College Mustangs on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Sioux City, Iowa. 

Mustangs end Bulldogs' season

8 NOV 2008

The Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team was eliminated from the 2008 GPAC postseason tournament with a quick 3-0 (25-12, -5, -10) defeat at the hands of the Morningside College Mustangs in Sioux City, Iowa.

The Bulldogs struggled to slow a Mustang offense that hit an impressive .582 for the night. For its part, Concordia was led offensively by the duo of Chelsea Vaudt and Dani Hoagland, each with six kills on the night.

Concordia finishes the season with a record of 9-22 overall and 5-11 in the GPAC. Morningside advances to take on the Dordt College Defenders in the semifinals.

Hoagland earns academic honor

Dani Hoagland, a middle blocker on the Concordia University, Nebraska volleyball team, has earned 2008-09 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District honors.  She was named to the second team for District VII in the college division for the award. 

"This is a great honor for Dani," said head coach Rachel Miller. "Her academic success is something that we can all be proud of."

Hoagland, a biology major from Rushville, Neb., carries a 4.0 GPA. In 2007-08 Hoagland earned second team All-GPAC honors and is currently among the leaders in many offensive categories for the Bulldogs. 

The College Sports Information Directors of America released the 2008-09 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District teams Thursday.  Volleyball honorees for District VII are:

FIRST TEAM

Name	School	Dist.	Yr.	Hometown	GPA	Major
Alli Alberts	WASHINGTON (MO.)	VII	Sr.	Smithton, Ill.	3.70	Biomedical engineering
Ellen Andrews	AUGUSTANA (SD)	VII	Jr.	Bancroft, Neb.	3.96	Exercise science
Lisa Brinker	MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS	VII	Sr.	Washington, Mo.	3.89	Marketing management
Kirsten Foster	NEBRASKA WESLEYAN	VII	Jr.	Lincoln, Neb.	4.00	Biology
Caitlin Pankratz	CENTRAL MISSOURI	VII	Jr.	Buhler, Kan.	3.90	Accounting
Kelli Wemhoff	NEBRASKA-KEARNEY	VII	Jr.	Humphrey, Neb.	3.90	Exercise science

SECOND TEAM

Name	School	Dist.	Yr.	Hometown	GPA	Major
Annie Grohmann	LINDENWOOD	VII	Sr.	Red Bud, Ill.	3.95	Spanish
Jennifer Hefner	WAYNE STATE	VII	So.	Archer, Neb.	3.92	Biology
Dani Hoagland	CONCORDIA (NE)	VII	Jr.	Rushville, Neb.	4.00	Biology
Kayla Jansen	NEBRASKA-OMAHA	VII	Jr.	Omaha, Neb.	4.00	Business
Kelsey Steffens	WARTBURG	VII	Sr.	DeWitt, Iowa	3.90	Elementary education
Cassie Wilson	PITTSBURG STATE	VII	So.	Pittsburg, Kan.	4.00	Biology

THIRD TEAM

Name	School	Dist.	Yr.	Hometown	GPA	Major
Whitney Boehler	TRUMAN STATE	VII	Sr.	Olathe, Kan.	3.44	Exercise science
Megan Callahan	CENTRAL (IOWA)	VII	Sr.	Dubuque, Iowa	3.73	Exercise Science
Kaity Edmiston	COLO. SCH. OF MINES	VII	Jr.	Palisade, Colo.	3.68	Civil engineering
Dana Hanselmann	TRUMAN STATE	VII	Sr.	Sleepy Hollow, Ill.	3.66	Exercise science
Nikki Scott	NEBRASKA-KEARNEY	VII	Jr.	Broken Bow, Neb.	3.79	Communications
Ellen Thommes	NEBRASKA-OMAHA	VII	Jr.	Omaha, Neb.	3.76	Business

Hoagland and the rest of her teammates will face Dakota Wesleyan in the first round of the Great Plains Athletic Conference Thursday evening at 7:30 at the Doghouse in Seward, Neb.

Concordia earns Team AVCA Academic Award

The Concordia University volleyball team is one of 35 NAIA volleyball programs to earn the 2008-09 American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award, according to an announcement made by the AVCA Tuesday.   

The award, which was initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors collegiate and high school volleyball teams that display excellence in the classroom during the school year by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. 

“This award means so much,” head coach Rachel Miller said.  “Our players are dedicated to the classroom while continuing to strive for excellence on the court as well.”  The award continues a long string of academic success for the Bulldog volleyball team, as Concordia has received the AVCA Team Academic Award for 11 straight years.

According to the AVCA, 409 men's and women's teams at the high school and collegiate level met the requirements for the award in 2008-09. The mark established a new all-time high, surpassing the 354 schools that received honors a year ago.

Concordia opens the 2009 season on Aug. 26 with a 7 p.m. match at Peru State College.