GAME NOTES: Concordia University Volleyball to host Bulldog Bash
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia volleyball team will be inviting three different teams to Walz Arena Sept. 4-5. Back from a four game road trip from Chicago, the Bulldogs will host Bethel College (Kan.), Benedictine College (Kan.) and York College. Kicking things off Friday, Sept. 4 will be the Bulldogs and Ravens of Benedictine College at 7 p.m. CUNE will turn around and play Saturday at 10 a.m. against Bethel College and York College at 5 p.m. Other matches will begin at noon and at 3 p.m.
MATCH INFO
Benedictine College (1-3) at Concordia University (6-0)
Friday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m. CT
Site: Walz Arena (1,400)
Webcast: Concordia Sports Network
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Live stats: Dakstats
Bethel College (2-3) at Concordia University (6-0)
Saturday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m. CT
Site: Walz Arena (1,400)
Webcast: Concordia Sports Network
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Live stats: Dakstats
York College (1-5) at Concordia University (6-0)
Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. CT
Site: Walz Arena (1,400)
Webcast: Concordia Sports Network
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Live stats: Dakstats
In the rankings
Concordia is receiving votes in the NAIA national coaches’ poll. The Bulldogs appeared 12th among “others receiving votes” in the preseason rankings released on Aug. 18. They were pegged fifth in the GPAC by league coaches.
Bulldogs breeze through Windy City
The 12-3 set record for the weekend helped the Bulldogs to an undefeated trip in Chicago, going 4-0. The wins came against Roosevelt (3-0), Saint Xavier (3-2), St. Francis (3-1) and Trinity Christian (3-0). Coach Scott Mattera noted on the Saint Xavier win, “It was a difficult match because they’re a really good team. Saint Xavier is going to make some noise this year. There’s no doubt about that. It was a really good early-season test for us.” After the wins in Chicago, the Bulldogs are off to a 6-0 start for the first time since 2005.
Home cooking
The win over Bellevue on Aug. 25 marked Concordia’s 17th over its last 19 home matches, dating back to Oct. 8, 2013. Eleven of the 17 wins have ended in the minimum three sets. The Bulldogs won 12-consecutive home matches between Oct. 8, 2013 and Oct. 10, 2014, before finally falling in Seward at the hands of Nebraska Wesleyan on Oct. 21, 2014. Over their past 17 home tilts, the Bulldogs have dropped a total of just 12 sets.
Mattera climbs above .500
Now in his fourth season as head coach, Scott Mattera has guided a program that his steadily improved under his watch. After posting a record of 10-21 in 2012, Concordia jumped to 17-14 in 2013 and then 20-12 last season. With the four wins in the Windy City, Mattera bumped his overall record to 52-47 (.525) since arriving at Concordia. It was a season for “first time since” mentions in 2014 as the Bulldogs won 20 matches and defeated a ranked opponent (three times) for the first time since 2007 and won a GPAC tournament contest for the first time in six years.
GPAC stats
In the GPAC so far this season, three different Bulldogs are ranking high in individual stats. In kills, senior Claire White is sixth (69) and ranks ninth in kills per set (3.1). Junior Alayna Kavanaugh is second in both assists per set (10.3) and assists (227). Sophomore Jocelyn Garcia and White are tied for third in aces per set (0.5) and tied for fifth in aces (11).
Scouting Bulldog Bash opponents
Benedictine College (1-3)
The Ravens of Benedictine College won their opening match against Stephens College 4-1 on Aug. 22. Alli Dalton led the team in attacks with 31 and hit .419 (16-31). Setter, Taylor Garner marked 45 assists and hit .500 (4-6). The Ravens are led by head coach Erin Cooper who is her third season at Benedictine College. Cooper is assisted by Katie Latenser and Kallie Woodward.
Bethel College (2-3, 0-1 KCAC)
The Threshers of Bethel College won their two opening matches against University of the Southwest and York College, both three sets to none. So far this season, the Thershers are averaging 9.8 kills per set and are serving 93 percent. The Threshers are led by head coach John Marble who is in his third season at Bethel College. Marble is assisted by Tori Kaufman, Lindsey Chandler and Claire McStravick.
York College (1-5)
The Panthers of York College have defeated the University of the Southwest, 5-0 this season. York College is currently serving 92.8 percent on the season and average 29.1 assists per set as a team. The Panthers are led by head coach Erin Freeman who is in her first season at York College. Freeman is assisted by Erica Berry.
Up next for the Bulldogs
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the Bulldogs will open GPAC play as they host Hastings College in Walz Arena at 7:30 p.m. Concordia will then travel to Hastings for four matches against MidAmerica Nazarene University (1 p.m.), Montana Western University (5 p.m.) on Friday, Sept. 11 and Carroll College (1 p.m.) and Montana Tech University (5 p.m.) on Saturday, Sept. 12.
