A team full of experience on the national stage met the challenge of facing Hastings for a third time this season. Led by Gabi Nordaker (16 kills, four blocks), the Bulldogs defeated the Broncos in four sets in national tournament pool play.
A top program in the NAIA for what it has accomplished on the court, Concordia Volleyball also ranks as one of the best in the nation for what it achieves in the classroom. Eighteen Bulldogs have been recognized as 2022 NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
A record number of Academic All-District awards, as selected by College Sports Communicators, has rolled in for Concordia Volleyball. The honors have gone to Bree Burtwistle, Rebecca Gebhardt, Camryn Opfer and Carly Rodaway.
Pool play at the NAIA Volleyball National Championship will get started on Nov. 30. As the top seed in Pool D, the fourth-ranked Bulldogs will be up against Hastings and No. 13 Park. Pool winners then advance to bracket play.
Pool play assignments for the national tournament are set. The fourth-ranked Bulldogs are the top seed in Pool D and have been grouped with Park University (Mo.) and Hastings. Action in Sioux City will begin on Nov. 30.
The Bulldogs were not about to be denied another opportunity at the final site of the national tournament. With the help of a dominant outing from Camryn Opfer, Concordia defeated Florida College in straight sets in NAIA Opening Round play.
For the second year in a row, both Gabi Nordaker and Camryn Opfer have been named First Team All-GPAC selections. They were joined with all-conference honors by four teammates, including Bree Burtwistle and Carly Rodaway.
While making the program's fourth straight national tournament appearance, the Bulldogs will welcome Florida College to Friedrich Arena for opening round action. The match will take place on Saturday, Nov. 19.
A spirited rally in the first set gave the fourth-ranked Bulldogs hopes of claiming the program's first GPAC tournament title. However, No. 2 Jamestown responded and won in four sets. Concordia sits at 23-5 entering the national tournament.
Concordia rides wins over No. 12 College of Saint Mary and No. 3 Midland into another GPAC championship matchup with Jamestown. The Bulldogs are making their third appearance in the GPAC final and second in a row.