Bulldogs split final two matches at Red Raider Classic

Concordia University split two matches in the final day of the Red Raider Classic Volleyball Tournament on Saturday in Iowa.  The Bulldogs (1-3) held on for a 3-2 win over Valley City State University in the first match of the day.  Olivet Nazarene swept past Concordia by the score of 3-0 in Concordia’s fourth and final match of the tournament. 

Concordia won the first two sets against Valley City State but had to earn a 15-13 win in set five to pick up the victory.  Scores of the match were 25-20, 25-23, 24-26, 20-25 and 15-13.  A total of three players reached double figures in kills to lead a balanced Concordia offensive attack.  Amanda Kisker (Lincoln, Neb.) led the way with 11 kills, while Marlee Denton (Fremont, Neb.) and Mariah Schamp (Arvada, Colo.) chipped in with 10 kills apiece.  Kayla James (Gibbon, Neb.) handed out 24 set assists, and Alexa Hopping (Sutherland, Neb.) added 16 set assists in the match.  Carli Smith (Temecula, Calif.) led the way defensively for Concordia with 31 digs. 

The second contest of the day was a different story.  Olivet Nazarene picked up the easy win.  Scores were 25-22, 25-12 and 25-21.  The Bulldogs finished with a .433 attack percentage in the first set, but it was a struggle the rest of the way.  Denton paced the Bulldogs with seven kills.  Schamp, Kisker and Kaylie Mellema (Axtell, Neb.) all added six kills.  Hopping totaled 17 set assists in the Concordia loss. 

Concordia travels to Peru State College on August 30 for a 7 p.m. match against the Bobcats.