Bulldogs fall in conference opener to Morningside College, 3-1

Morningside College earned a 3-1 volleyball win over Concordia University on Tuesday evening in Seward.  It was the conference opening match for both teams.  Scores were 25-18, 25-17, 27-29 and 25-20.  The Mustangs improved to 6-5 overall, while the Bulldogs slipped to 7-4 overall on the year. 

Morningside led from start to finish in the first set.  Kati Steffen and Liz Sutherland led the way as the Mustangs cruised to the 25-18 win.  Morningside again jumped out to an early lead in the second set.  The Bulldogs rallied to tie the score, but the Mustangs used a 10-4 run to put Concordia away by the 25-17 score. 

In set three, Concordia turned the tables and jumped out a quick 6-1 lead.  The Bulldogs led by as many as eight at 16-8, but the visiting Mustangs rallied down the stretch to tie the set at 23-23.  The teams traded points until a kill by Alex Szalawiga and an ace serve by Kaylie Mellema secured the 29-27 win for Concordia. 

The Bulldogs again jumped out to an early lead in the fourth set.  Concordia led by as many as six early in the set at 11-5, but the Mustangs mounted another rally.  Morningside took the lead for good at 20-19, and the Bulldogs were unable to rally. 

Liz Sutherland had a match-high 18 kills to go along with four solo and three assisted blocks on the night to lead Morningside College.  Erin Downing also reached double figures in kills with 10.  Darcy Christensen totaled a match-high 29 digs, and Monica Iverson handed out 46 set assists for the Mustangs in the win. 

Alex Szalawiga had a double-double with 10 kills and 17 digs for Concordia on the night.  Chelsea Vaudt also had 10 kills, while Sloan Brandon added nine kills and 14 digs.  Amanda Kisker also pounded nine kills.  Kaylie Mellema and Alexa Hopping had 23 and 18 assists, respectively, for Concordia in the loss. 

Concordia travels to the Quality Inn Classic Tournament on September 10 and 11 in Hastings.  The Bulldogs face Black Hills State University and McPherson College on the 10th with contests against South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and Dakota State University scheduled for the 11th.