Bulldog block party takes down the Pioneers
Concordia volleyball celebrates its win over York. (Photo from previous game)
Photo: Leo Lopez
By Kai Olbrich
Sports Editor
The Concordia volleyball team stood strong at the net as it swept the MidAmerica Nazarene University Pioneers 3-0 on Friday in the Bulldogs’ first game of the 2026 Power Quad.
The Bulldogs posted four solo blocks and 16 block assists as they bested the Pioneers 25-20, 25-17 and 25-16. The Power Quad features Concordia, MidAmerica Nazarene, Indiana Wesleyan and Columbia College. All teams will play each other throughout the event.
Coach Ben Boldt thought that his team was sloppy at times on offence, but was happy with their net defense.
“We were a little bit error-prone today from the attacking standpoint, but I was really happy with our blocks,” Boldt said.
On the offensive side of things, two freshmen stole the show. Setter Myla Emry and outside hitter Samantha Kimbell led the team in the kill and assist categories. Emry posted 14 assists while Kimbell got seven kills on 22 attacks. Kimbell credited her teammates for giving her the confidence and opportunity to succeed up front.
“Definitely my setters putting the ball in a good spot, and then just trusting that my back row has my back to cover,” Kimbell said.
Sophomore Emma Brueggeman and senior Shandy Fa’ali’i led the team with 12 digs. Fa’ali’i also added five kills. Emma’s twin sister Ella contributed well on both sides of the ball with seven digs and 13 assists. Senior Bella Hedke hit .500 with six kills and just one error on 10 attacks. She also came up with five block assists.
The win puts Concordia up to 5-1 on the season with two more games in the 2026 Power Quad. They will face off against Columbia College and Indiana Wesleyan. Boldt believes that two games in one day are a good mental test for his team and is excited for the challenge.
