Concordia Volleyball Sees First Losses of Season in Early GPAC Play

by Jacy Johnston and Jonah Lange

In his first season at the helm of the Concordia volleyball program, head coach Ben Boldt has led his team to a 12-2 start on the season. The Bulldogs competed in two tough Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) conference games this week, losing to No. 8 Midland on Tuesday and to Morningside College (Iowa) on Thursday.

“This week we were reminded that no team in the GPAC can be taken lightly; we have to come out full force from start to finish,” junior Alex LaPlant said.

Concordia took on Midland in Walz Arena in a four-set match against the Warriors. The Bulldogs fell in the opening set 25-19. In the second set, all momentum was with Concordia who won 25-15. Midland finished out winning sets three and four 25-18 and 30-28.

The Warriors were led by senior All-American setter Jessica Peters who contributed 45 assists on the match. Midland recorded 57 kills in the match, overpowering the Bulldogs’ 45 kills. Concordia had an even attack with four different Bulldogs scoring eight or more kills. Senior Jenna Habegger tallied nine kills, and the trio of Emmie Noyd, Arleigh Costello and LaPlant added eight each.

“We know our systems work, we just have to trust one another to get all of our systems going at the same time,” LaPlant said.

On Thursday, the Bulldogs traveled to Sioux City to play the Morningside Mustangs. Concordia started off the first set slow, and fell 17-25. Momentum stayed with the Mustangs, who won the second set 25-15. Concordia bounced back for a third set win of 25-23 stemming from 16 Bulldog kills. Morningside regained control in the fourth set for a 25-23 victory and match win on the night. Habegger led the Bulldogs with 14 kills against the Mustangs.

The Bulldogs will now be facing GPAC opponents for the remainder of the season.

“Every time we take the court, whether it’s a practice or match, we are competing at a high level with whoever is across the net, and we’re getting better everyday because of it,” LaPlant said.

The 12-2 Bulldogs will have a home court advantage as the Doane Tigers travel to Seward for a 7:30 match-up on Tuesday, Sept. 18.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to play Doane on Tuesday to put our training into action,” LaPlant said.