Bulldog volleyball team dominates on parents’ day

Freshman setter Ella Brueggemann (11) goes for a set as senior middle Molli Martin (23) and others rush to assist her.

Photo credit: Ransom Watts

By Ransom Watts

The Concordia volleyball team put on a show at parents’ night, dominating at the net and beating College of Saint Mary three sets to zero.

The Bulldogs set the aggressive tone early in the first set by scoring off an ace from freshman Emma Bruegemann on her first serve. Concordia continued to keep St Mary’s at bay throughout the rest of the first set, which they won 25-8.

The Bulldogs’ play at the net was something to remember, as they dismantled the Flames’ offense into the second set, which finished 25-13.

Senior Ashley Keck led the team in kills with 12 on the night. Ava Green also had a memorable game, with eight points and several sneaky tips over the net that kept the Flames’ defense on their heels. The Bulldogs led by a wide margin in hitting percentage as Concordia hit .309 and the Flames hit -.016.

Going into the third set, Concordia lagged behind St Mary. Despite trailing, the Bulldogs were able to dig themselves out of the deficit and tie the Flames 11-11.

The Women’s offensive cohesiveness began to really show once more in the third set when senior Molly Martin had a diving hit to set up sophomore Shandy Fa’ali’i, who sent the ball the Flames’ way for a point.

The Bulldogs came out victorious and won the third set 26-16. Coach Boldt had high praise for his team, especially their defense.

“Defensively, we were really good,” Boldt said. “We held them to a negative hitting percentage, and we out-dug them by over twenty, and we out-blocked them by seven.”

Boldt said that the expectation is to play well no matter the rank of the opponent. He also shared that a win like this helps the team find joy in both the game itself and also in who they are as a team.

Junior Ava Greene had a lot of positive things to say about her teammates after tonight’s victory as well.

“We really just talk about family,” Greene said. “We come together as a family on and off the court, and I think that really shows when we’re out there playing together.”

Greene appreciates a lot about her family and the support of her parents, who were at the game for parents’ night

“With my parents, having that support 24/7 helps you as a person, and that support just fuels you,” Greene said. “For me, I do it for my parents.”

Concordia University Volleyball gave their parents a win to remember and hopes to continue bringing the heat as they face No. 17 Midland University in another GPAC showdown on Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Friedrich Arena.