Bulldogs fall on the road to Midland University, 3-1

Midland University claimed a 3-1 GPAC volleyball win over Concordia University on Wednesday evening in Fremont.  Scores of the match were 25-20, 23-25, 25-15 and 25-19.  The Warriors snapped a 2-game losing streak to improve to 15-7 overall and 7-2 in GPAC play.  Concordia had its 2-game winning streak snapped and slipped to 9-15 overall and 2-7 in conference play.  

The Warriors jumped out to a 19-13 advantage in the first set.  From there, Concordia pulled within four on multiple occasions, but Midland went on to win the set by the score of 25-20. 

Midland University again led for much of the second set.  The Warriors led by five at 18-13, but Concordia rallied.  An ace by Amanda Kisker (Lincoln, Neb.) pulled the Bulldogs within one at 18-17, and Concordia finally took the lead at 21-20.  The Bulldogs had two set points at 24-22.  A kill by Amanda Abbott (Temecula, Calif.) secured the 25-23 win for Concordia.   

The host Warriors cruised to the win in set three.  Midland jumped out to a quick 14-6 lead.  Concordia would get no closer than six the rest of the way, and Midland pulled away for the 25-15 win and 2-1 match advantage.  

Concordia started the fourth set off strong and took an early 4-2 advantage.  Midland quickly responded and claimed a 9-6 lead to force a Concordia timeout.  The Bulldogs had an answer, however, and reclaimed the lead at 13-11 to force Midland into a timeout.  The Warriors responded out of the timeout and jumped back in front by the score of 18-16.  That was as close as Concordia would get down the stretch, and the Warriors took the match with a 25-19 win.  

The Warriors were led by a trio of freshmen.  Ashley Wheeler pounded a match-high 16 kills in the contest.  Keri Lunz added 13 kills, and setter Megan Farley handed out 46 set assists on the night.  

Concordia was led by Kisker’s 10 kills.  Alexa Hopping (Sutherland, Neb.) had 16 set assists, and Carli Smith (Temecula, Calif.) had 15 digs to pace Concordia defensively.  

The Bulldogs continue GPAC play on the road at Nebraska Wesleyan on October 19.