The focused second-ranked Bulldogs muzzled Midland on Wednesday (Sept. 6) in a battle between NAIA top-10 ranked combatants. Maddie Paulsen shined in the middle and Concordia turned away the Warriors with the help of .342 hitting.
For her work in five victories last week, All-American setter Bree Burtwistle has been named the GPAC and NAIA National Setter of the Week. On the season, Burtwistle ranks sixth nationally with an average of 10.93 assists per set.
The Concordia-Midland rivalry will highlight a lighter week for the second-ranked Bulldogs. Coach Ben Boldt's crew went 5-0 last week and moved to 8-0 overall. As part of the action, Camryn Opfer climbed to No. 3 on the program's all-time kills list.
A perfect 4-0 weekend came to fruition on Saturday as the Bulldogs defeated Kansas Wesleyan and No. 6 Park in North Sioux City. Ashley Keck posted a team high 26 kills on the day and Concordia held its opponents to a .112 hitting percentage.
The outsides brought the heat on Friday (Sept. 1) as the Bulldogs stayed unbeaten with wins over Rocky Mountain and Mayville State at the Labor Day weekend classic. Camryn Opfer moved to No. 4 on the program's all-time kills list.
Never before has the Concordia Volleyball program owned a higher national ranking than it does currently.The Bulldogs moved from No. 4 in the preseason to No. 2 in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 Poll released on Aug. 30.
All-American Gabi Nordaker hit an incredible .722 and Sara Huss provided the spark the Bulldogs needed as they held off No. 24 Hastings in four sets. Concordia successfully passed its first road test of the 2023 and moved to 4-0.
All-American Gabi Nordaker has been honored as the GPAC Attacker of the Week for the fourth time in her career. Nordaker hit .615 in wins over Langston and No. 11 MidAmerica Nazarene at the Bulldog Bash.
In terms of sheer number of matches, this will be the busiest week of the entire 2023 regular season for the Concordia Volleyball. The Bulldogs will be at Hastings for their GPAC opener before heading to North Sioux City for the weekend.
It surely was a bash from Concordia's perspective. The host team went 2-0 at the Bulldog Bash, completing the event with a dominant three-set triumph over No. 11 MidAmerica Nazarene. The Bulldogs out-killed the Pioneers, 42-24.
Featured StoryIt's a transcendent class that has helped Concordia Volleyball reach heights it had never before seen. Collectively, the group has set a new standard while living out the program's values: love, hard work, sacrifice and trust.
Featured StoryBree Burtwistle knew her time was coming. It just took some patience and persistence before she could burst onto the scene as one of the NAIA's best setters. A transfer in her third year as a Bulldog, Burt is soaking up a 2022 season of winning with her best friends.
Featured StoryThree-straight NAIA top 15 finishes lead the Concordia Volleyball program into a 2022 campaign that comes with high hopes. The Bulldogs believe they are primed to take things a step farther after back-to-back national quarterfinal appearances.
Featured StoryCamryn Opfer has continued to make a name for herself within the community she has always called home. The Seward High School alum has a habit of playing big in big moments for a Concordia Volleyball program that has grabbed the national spotlight.
Featured StoryIn terms of the approach and the goals of the Concordia Volleyball program, not much has changed since the 2021 season ended in the national quarterfinals. The Bulldogs grew in confidence this spring while 'leaning in' in anticipation of the 2022 campaign.
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In a season that came with its share of challenges, the Bulldogs never gave up while advancing to the national quarterfinals for the second season in a row. The 2021 Bulldogs earned the program's best ever final national ranking.
Featured StoryFour years was just not enough for Tara Callahan, who returned to the Bulldogs in 2021 to provide steady leadership and consistently excellent play on the court. Her journey has included many mountaintop moments and unshakable bonds.
Featured StoryRanked seventh in the NAIA in the preseason, Concordia Volleyball is ready to follow up a national quarterfinal run this past spring. "GPAC championship level effort" is the expectation.
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As disjointed and unique as it was, the 2020-21 season provided plenty of rewards for staff, players and supporters of the Concordia Volleyball, which finished ranked No. 8 in the NAIA.
Featured StoryThis wasn't exactly how they expected their senior seasons to look, but these Bulldogs aren't focusing on the negative. They are grateful for the chance to continue the program's rise.
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