After a scorching 11-3 run in the last 14 games, the Concordia University Softball team will be the No. 4 seed in the 2024 GPAC tournament that features double-elimination pod play this Wednesday and Thursday.
With a varying degree of seeding on the line, every game mattered for potential conference placement in the upcoming GPAC championships. Both contests were tightly contested but Eurich pitched a shutout (2-0) in game one and the Defenders took advantage of errors in game two (3-2).
Due to unplayable conditions at Plum Creek Park in Seward, Concordia and Dordt have moved their Saturday (April 27) doubleheader to the American State Bank Sports Complex in Sioux Center, Iowa.
The most important series so far this year came on Tuesday afternoon (Apr. 23) against Morningside in Sioux City. Each team collected a shutout win and as Concordia took game one (5-0) and the Mustangs scraped out game two (2-0).
The Lincoln North Star alum, Kylie Shottenkirk, was named NAIA National Player of the Week and GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Softball Player of the Week on Tuesday (Apr. 23) by the league office.
With a 4-0 weekend, Concordia has set itself up for a Dawg fight trying to grab third place in the regular season standings. The Bulldogs are set to face Morningside in Sioux City and finish the final scheduled games of the 2023-24 campaign in Plum Creek Park.
Kylie Shottenkirk and the Concordia lineup stayed white hot while Taryn Ganstrom flirted with a no-hitter as part of a doubleheader sweep at Mount Marty. The Bulldogs completed a 4-0 weekend on the road.
Aubriana Krieser (three) and Kylie Shottenkirk (one) combined for four homers over the Briar Cliff fence in both outings, which resulted in 6-3 finals in favor of the Dawgs. Concordia Softball has set their competition ablaze, going 7-1 in the last eight days.
After an impressive homestand, the Bulldogs have put themselves in position to fight for a GPAC tournament spot but will need to sustain the success in the final two weeks of the regular season.
Julia Van Wey of Concordia University is this week's GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Softball Player of the Week. Vany Wey a, senior from San Diego, Calif., helped the Bulldogs to a 4-0 weekend while notching at least one hit in each game.
As Head Coach Brock Culler says, "The feel is there. It's real." Concordia Softball carried momentum from its 2024 late season surge into fall ball. The roster includes a nice mix of veterans (nine seniors) and newcomers (17).
While becoming the winningest coach in Concordia Softball history, Frank Greene served as an example of what really matters. Coach Greene was someone who worked tirelessly to supply his players a first-class experience.
While sitting at 2-6 in league play (12-20 overall) in early April, the Bulldogs faced a crossroads in their 2024 season. The Bulldogs responded by winning 10 of their next 11 games in a surge that gave the program a jolt heading into 2025.
The energy and enthusiasm within the Concordia Softball program displays a picture of a group eager to turn the page to 2024. Coach Brock Culler will put to use three returning All-GPAC players, a host of veterans and a talented bunch of newcomers.
Entering year two as head coach, Brock Culler sees a Concordia Softball program on the rise thanks to a mix of key returners and a talented freshman class. Pitching and defense emerged as the team's strengths this fall.
There were flashes of brilliance and moments that hinted at brighter days to come for the Concordia Softball program. Seniors who were part of the '21 national tournament team left a lasting legacy and the sophomore group made its presence known.
Caitlyn McGarvie has no problem selling the experience Concordia has to offer. She's thrived on the softball diamond while pursuing her aspirations of becoming a pharmacist. Even more special, Caitlyn has shared a Concordia bond with her brother DJ.
There are quite a few unknowns heading into the 2023 season, but Concordia Softball has taken on an upbeat and optimistic approach. Head Coach Brock Culler has brought passion and enthusiasm while getting accustomed to his new role.
Head Coach Brock Culler's enthusiasm for his new role comes across in obvious fashion. The Bulldogs began to form their identity for 2023 as Culler and the student-athletes have taken to the diamond while getting to know one another.
A run to the 2021 national tournament preceded a 2022 season of ups and downs for Concordia Softball. The Bulldogs finished up at 23-24 overall and in a tie for sixth place in the GPAC under Coach Tatum Edwards.