A home win over 23rd-ranked Doane on Friday would make a big difference in Concordia’s hopes of a late-season run and postseason berth. The Bulldogs seek their first win in conference play.
Despite taking the opening set, the Bulldogs endured another GPAC loss inside Walz Arena on Saturday (Sept. 30). Annie Friesen topped Concordia with 10 kills.
Despite the production from Jenna Habegger (16 kills) and Tara Callahan (31 assists, 11 digs, nine kills), the Bulldogs fell in five sets at College of Saint Mary on Wednesday (Sept. 27).
Alex La Plant and the Bulldog volleyball team has hopes of a road win at College of Saint Mary to lift its spirits and earn GPAC win No. 1. Concordia will also host Briar Cliff on Saturday.
Freshman Marissa Hoerman produced a match high 19 digs on Saturday (Sept. 23). The Bulldogs left Sioux City, Iowa, with a 25-18, 25-18, 25-19, loss at No. 24 Morningside.
Dordt showed why it is ranked sixth nationally in Friday's contest in Sioux Center, Iowa. The Defenders took care of the Bulldogs in straight sets. Alex La Plant topped Concordia with seven kills.
A neon clad crowd nearly helped spur Concordia into a serious upset threat of No. 1 Hastings. However, the Broncos showed their championship mettle in tight spots while extending their win streak.
Three more opportunities for wins over ranked opponents await the Concordia volleyball team. The Bulldogs continue to seek their first GPAC victory of 2017 after two more outings last week versus top 25 opponents.
Tara Callahan led Concordia's upset bid by pulling off a rare feat. She reached double figures in assists (33), kills (12) and digs (11). No. 14 Northwestern overcame Callahan and won in four sets on Saturday (Sept. 16).
Jocelyn Garcia moved past 1,500 career digs during another solid performance in the back row on Wednesday (Sept. 13). Host Doane topped the Bulldogs in four sets. Concordia dipped to 5-7 overall.
It was another season of national prominence for Concordia Volleyball, which was led by a senior class that trusted the process throughout four years. The likes of Gabi Nordaker and Camryn Opfer helped lead the Bulldogs to a No. 4 national ranking.
It's a transcendent class that has helped Concordia Volleyball reach heights it had never before seen. Collectively, the group has set a new standard while living out the program's values: love, hard work, sacrifice and trust.
Bree Burtwistle knew her time was coming. It just took some patience and persistence before she could burst onto the scene as one of the NAIA's best setters. A transfer in her third year as a Bulldog, Burt is soaking up a 2022 season of winning with her best friends.
Three-straight NAIA top 15 finishes lead the Concordia Volleyball program into a 2022 campaign that comes with high hopes. The Bulldogs believe they are primed to take things a step farther after back-to-back national quarterfinal appearances.
Camryn Opfer has continued to make a name for herself within the community she has always called home. The Seward High School alum has a habit of playing big in big moments for a Concordia Volleyball program that has grabbed the national spotlight.
In terms of the approach and the goals of the Concordia Volleyball program, not much has changed since the 2021 season ended in the national quarterfinals. The Bulldogs grew in confidence this spring while 'leaning in' in anticipation of the 2022 campaign.
In a season that came with its share of challenges, the Bulldogs never gave up while advancing to the national quarterfinals for the second season in a row. The 2021 Bulldogs earned the program's best ever final national ranking.
Four years was just not enough for Tara Callahan, who returned to the Bulldogs in 2021 to provide steady leadership and consistently excellent play on the court. Her journey has included many mountaintop moments and unshakable bonds.
Ranked seventh in the NAIA in the preseason, Concordia Volleyball is ready to follow up a national quarterfinal run this past spring. "GPAC championship level effort" is the expectation.
As disjointed and unique as it was, the 2020-21 season provided plenty of rewards for staff, players and supporters of the Concordia Volleyball, which finished ranked No. 8 in the NAIA.