SEWARD, Neb. – The entire GPAC regular season slate will conclude on Tuesday with six league matches set to be contested. In one of those contests, the Concordia University Volleyball team will host Hastings. Having clinched a spot in the conference tournament, the Bulldogs hope to strengthen their position within the conference standings and enhance their profile for a possible national tournament at-large berth. Head Coach Ben Boldt’s squad sports a 13-10 overall record and 8-7 GPAC mark.
This Week
Tuesday, Nov. 2 vs. Hastings (14-13, 5-10 GPAC), 7:30 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats | 104.9 Max Country
Saturday, Nov. 6 – GPAC Quarterfinals at TBA, Time TBA
The past two outings have done wonders for Concordia, for many reasons. In back-to-back Saturdays, the Bulldogs celebrated five-set wins over top 15 nationally ranked opponents. The latest victory may have been the most significant this season – 19-25, 26-24, 17-25, 25-19, 15-8 triumph at No. 14 Northwestern after having trailed two-sets-to-one. A week earlier, Concordia dropped the first two sets before rallying for a five-set home victory over 15th-ranked Dakota Wesleyan. Prior to that match, the Bulldogs had gone 0-for-7 this season in five-set matches.
In the NAIA coaches’ poll released on Oct. 27, Concordia appeared just outside the top 25 as the first team listed under “receiving votes.” Considering this weekend’s result, Concordia could be primed to move back into the top 25, especially if it can protect its home court on Tuesday. Earlier this season, the Bulldogs were ranked as high as No. 6, which represents the highest ranking in program history. The profile for Concordia also features a nonconference win over Montana Tech, currently ranked 17th nationally.
While Tara Callahan, Gabi Nordaker and Camryn Opfer get a lot of attention, Concordia has displayed plenty of balance. Entering the week, five Bulldogs had produced more than 100 kills this season: Opfer (286), Nordaker (264), Erica Heinzerling (208), Carly Rodaway (118) and Kalee Wiltfong (110). In addition, three Concordia players have notched at least 200 digs: Opfer (280), Callahan (235) and Cassidy Knust (231). Nordaker tops the team with 78 blocks while Callahan paces the Bulldogs with 26 aces. Opfer starred in the win at Northwestern, totaling five of her team high 21 kills in the final set. In addition, Nordaker struck for 19 kills and five blocks.
Hastings needs a win on Tuesday and for Doane to lose at No. 5 Midland in order to grab the eighth and final spot in the GPAC tournament. The Broncos enter this week having lost five in a row, including four against ranked conference foes. Hastings can play at a high level when it’s on its game, as evidenced by wins this season over Midland and College of Saint Mary. The Broncos have been a solid blocking team, ranking 36th nationally with an average of 2.02 blocks per set. Concordia defeated Hastings in straight sets on Oct. 18.
The opponent for Saturday’s GPAC quarterfinal is to be determined. The Bulldogs will enter the conference tournament as either the No. 5, 6 or 7 seed and will be on the road to face one of the following teams: College of Saint Mary, Midland or Dakota Wesleyan. The bracket will be finalized on Tuesday night.