Bulldogs sweep the Lancers on an efficient attacking night to get back in the win column

Photo description: Junior Carly Rodaway raises her hand at the net following a tip

Photo credit: Josiah Seabaugh

Darien Semedo

Sower Staff

The No. 4 Concordia Bulldogs, with records of 19-2 and 12-2, took on the Mount Marty University Lancers with records of 10-19 and 3-11 Wednesday night, bouncing back in quick fashion with a sweep behind an efficient offense.

The Bulldogs have faced up against some aggressive and strong defenses the last couple of weeks, struggling to efficiently attack on offense. However, the Bulldogs’ offense showed out against the Lancers, who could not find an answer quick enough to stop the Bulldogs. With an impressive .493 hitting percentage, the Bulldogs found paydirt 56 times with only seven errors on the night.

Head Coach Ben Boldt rode the hot hand from Saturday, with Senior Camryn Opfer leading the
team in 13 kills. Opfer played the whole game for the Bulldogs, and when she is on the outside, she has been efficient in getting the ball on the ground. The offense opens up more for every other player when Opfer is aggressive, especially for the middle players. Senior Gabi Nordaker, freshman Maddie Paulsen, and senior Sara Huss all finished the night with five kills coming from the middle position. Sophomore Ashley Keck also added seven kills on the night from the outside while senior Bree Burtwistle finished with 33 assists.

On the defensive side, Concordia held Mount Marty to a .103 hitting percentage while forcing 21
hit errors on the night. The frontline looked strong and in sync with eight total blocks, while Nordaker led the way with three. When the ball did get through, junior Rebecca Gebhardt led in digs with 14. Defense has been key in each of the Bulldogs’ losses and could potentially be an answer for them as they prepare for the Great Plains Athletic Conference and National Tournaments.

Some final notes for the Bulldogs in Yankton, South Dakota: they have found success on offense mixing up who is attacking, especially by having Opfer take on more attacking responsibility. Concordia kept their attacking errors low — which has been something they have struggled with the last few games — but had five service errors in three sets, which is something Boldt will probably want to be cleaned up heading toward the tournament. As mentioned, defense has been important for every game, and it will be up to head coach Ben Boldt and his staff to make in-game adjustments in future matchups.

After their second loss of the season, the Bulldogs dropped to No. 4 after holding the No. 1 spot in the last two polls. The Bulldogs’ schedule has been no cakewalk, with six games against ranked opponents, including a split with the College of Saint Mary. The University of Jamestown will meet with Northwestern College on Saturday to decide if they will hold onto the in-season GPAC title or if there will be a three-way tie at the top.

Up next, Concordia will celebrate senior night on Saturday in Friedrich Arena against Hastings
College, whose records are 8-15 and 3-11. In their last matchup, Concordia won 3-1 in Hastings.

The Seniors being recognized are Ashtynne Frahm, Sara Huss, Lexie Kreizel, Maddy Nagel, Gabi Nordaker, Carly Rodaway, Addie Smith and Shelby Stark.