SEWARD, Neb. – A season after reaching the GPAC tournament championship match, the Concordia University volleyball team has been picked by league coaches to finish exactly where it did in 2015 – fourth. Fifth-year head coach Scott Mattera’s squad collected 75 points and one first-place vote in the poll released on Wednesday by the GPAC.
Concordia returns the bulk of its key figures from the 2015 team that went 26-9 overall and qualified for the national tournament for the first time in school history. All three first team all-conference choices are back in middle Annie Friesen, defensive specialist Jocelyn Garcia and setter Alayna Kavanaugh.
Expectations are high within the program for a group that has set its sights on advancing to Sioux City, the final site for the NAIA national championships. Said outside hitter Paige Getz, “I can’t see anything happening where we don’t make it there. Everybody just knows that’s something we’re going to get to. Obviously we have to work hard for it. We’re ready.”
Getz is part of a heralded senior class that includes Kavanaugh, Tiegen Skains and Taylor Workman. All four have logged heavy playing time since arriving in Seward. Said Skains, “Every year has gotten a little better and more fun. We’ve made a lot of history so that’s cool. It’s fun to be part of.”
The Bulldogs will officially begin their season on Aug. 20 when Waldorf College visits Walz Arena for a 5 p.m. first serve (junior varsity at 3 p.m.). Frank Greene will call the action live for 104.9 Max Country.
2016 GPAC Preseason Volleyball Coaches’ Poll
Points (first-place votes)
1. Hastings – 91 (4)
2. Midland – 90 (4)
3. Dordt – 88 (2)
4. Concordia – 75 (1)
5. Northwestern – 65
6. Doane – 56
7. Briar Cliff – 41
8. College of Saint Mary – 34
9. Morningside – 33
10. Dakota Wesleyan – 19
11. Mount Marty – 13