The top-ranked Concordia University Volleyball team got better as the match went on while finding a flow and taking care of Doane, 25-18, 25-19, 25-13, on Wednesday (Oct. 18). Gabi Nordaker paced the Bulldogs with 12 kills and five blocks.
Rematches are on the way this week as the top-ranked Bulldogs will travel to Doane on Wednesday and then host No. 9 College of Saint Mary on Saturday. Concordia enters the week tied atop the GPAC standings at 10-1.
In a matchup between the Nos. 1 and 3 teams in the NAIA, the Bulldogs saw their unbeaten ride come to an end. The Red Raiders won a tight first set and then rode its blocking advantage to victory in Orange City.
Following two pivotal GPAC home victories, two members of the top-ranked Bulldogs were honored with player of the week awards. Gabi Nordaker earned NAIA National Attacker of the Week accolades while Bree Burtwistle was also recognized by the GPAC.
Based on the most recent NAIA coaches' poll, the matchup between Concordia and Northwestern will feature the nation's Nos. 1 and 3 teams. The Bulldogs will carry a 17-0 record (10-0 GPAC) into Saturday's clash in Orange City, Iowa.
There were no signs of a letdown as No. 1 Concordia refueled with a little bit of Scooter's Coffee and showed plenty of energy in a straight sets win over Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday (Oct. 7). Gabi Nordaker produced 15 kills in the middle.
These were the moments Camryn Opfer and Bree Burtwistle came back to soak in. In a match dripping with hype, the top-ranked Bulldogs defeated defending national champ Jamestown in four sets in front of a raucous crowd on Friday (Oct. 6).
In a highly anticipated weekend of home action, the top-ranked Bulldogs will welcome defending national champion Jamestown and 2022 national quarterfinalist Dakota Wesleyan to Friedrich Arena.
The awards keep on coming for All-American setter Bree Burtwistle. The Stanton, Neb., native has collected her fourth GPAC Setter of the Week award in 2023. Burtwistle led the top-ranked Bulldogs to two GPAC wins last week.
A successful weekend in Sioux City was completed on Saturday (Sept. 30) as the top-ranked Bulldogs took care of Morningside in straight sets. As part of the win, libero Becca Gebhardt reached 1,000 career digs.
Featured StoryIn 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.
Featured StoryFour 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.
Featured StoryRanked 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.
- Featured Story
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.
Featured StoryThis wasn't exactly how they expected their senior seasons to look, but these Bulldogs aren't focusing on the negative. They are grateful for the chance to continue the program's rise.
Featured StoryFollowing a national tournament appearance in 2019, the Concordia Volleyball Program enters 2020 ready for big moments. The Bulldogs return four All-GPAC performers.
Featured StoryOctober 14, 2015, was a big day for the Concordia volleyball program. The Bulldogs stunned undefeated and second-ranked Midland while remaining in the hunt for a GPAC title.
Featured StorySenior-to-be Tara Callahan and her teammates are quite determined not to let the current situation halt the momentum of the volleyball program. Callahan appears primed for a special senior season.
Featured StoryHer two-year run as a graduate assistant at Concordia made Abby Saehler realize coaching was right for her. Now the former Bulldog is helping build the program at Grand Canyon.
Featured StorySays head coach Ben Boldt in response to the current situation, "Our priorities don’t change." A breakthrough 2019 campaign has the program thirsting for more. We take an inside look at the program during the health pandemic.
Upcoming Events
Volleyball
vs.
York University
Concordia UniversityFriedrich ArenaSeward, Neb.Volleyball
vs.
Concordia University
Columbia CollegeMarian, Ind.
