SEWARD, Neb. – In the aftermath of two more victories for the second-ranked Concordia University, Nebraska Volleyball team, two Bulldogs have picked up GPAC weekly awards. On Tuesday (Nov. 12), the league office recognized junior Ashley Keck as the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Defender of the Week and junior Savannah Shelburne as the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Setter of the Week. As a team, Concordia Volleyball has earned nine total GPAC Player of the Week awards in 2024, including four by Keck.
A Kearney, Neb., native and Kearney Catholic High School alum, Keck contributed in all areas last week as the Bulldogs defeated No. 22 Midland to end the regular season and then cruised past Dakota Wesleyan in the GPAC quarterfinals. In those two outings, Keck totaled a combined 39 digs, 48 service receptions and six blocks. Keck and company limited Midland to a .112 hitting percentage and Dakota Wesleyan to a .126 hitting percentage. On the season, Keck has amassed 303 kills and 336 digs while hitting .244 from the outside. She ranks 14th on the program’s all-time kills list with 903 in 84 matches as a Bulldog.
Shelburne has now been named the GPAC Setter of the Week for the second time in three weeks. The Omaha native and Gretna High School product posted a combined 46 assists, 14 digs and four aces in Concordia’s two wins last week. She teamed up with fellow setter Lily Psencik on directing an offense that outnumbered opponents in kills, 102-82. On the season, Shelburne has tallied 565 assists for an average of 6.21 assists per set. The Bulldogs currently rank 13th nationally in hitting percentage (.239).
Concordia (23-2) is getting set to host Midland (17-10) in the GPAC semifinals at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday. The winner will advance to play in the championship match on Saturday.
2024 GPAC Players of the Week
Nov. 12 – Ashley Keck (Defender) / Savannah Shelburne (Setter)
Oct. 29 – Becca Gebhardt (Defender) / Savannah Shelburne (Setter)
Oct. 8 – Becca Gebhardt (Defender) / Ashley Keck (Attacker)
Sept. 24 – Ashley Keck (Attacker / Defender)
Sept. 17 – Gabi Nordaker (Defender)