Concordia volleyball stays undefeated in Senior Day win against Morningside
Concordia volleyball seniors and their families celebrate Senior Day.
Photo: Ben Frerking
By Ben Frerking
No. 2 Concordia University volleyball remains undefeated in conference play after defeating No. 14 Morningside on Saturday, 3-1 at home on Senior Day after rallying from a four-point deficit in the fourth set.
The Bulldogs controlled the match early, winning the first two sets 25-22 and 25-19. Morningside responded in the third set, however, earning a 25-20 victory and forcing Concordia to regroup heading into the fourth.
Morningside carried that momentum into the fourth set and built a 14-10 lead. Concordia then answered with a determined run, changing the energy in the gym and closing the match with a 25-18 victory.
Concordia coach Ben Boldt described the team’s performance as “a little bit up and down,” but he said the Bulldogs showed focus when the match was on the line.
“There was something about that timeout where we just had great eye contact,” Boldt said. “It was a moment of grit, I think, for us.”
That focus helped Concordia regain control after falling behind in the fourth set. Rather than allowing Morningside’s momentum to continue, the Bulldogs responded with energy and determination that have helped them navigate a challenging conference schedule.
Junior Shandy Fa’ali’i, who contributes as both a defensive specialist and an outside hitter, said the team’s chemistry had been important throughout the season. She said the Bulldogs rely on one another when they face adversity, especially when they need to fight back from a deficit.
“We are dogs,” Fa’ali’i said.
Fa’ali’i explained that the phrase represents the team’s “go-get-it mentality.” She said that attitude is shared not only by the players, but also by the coaches, bench, and crowd.
Fa’ali’i led the team offensively, along with sophomore Makenna Starkey. They each tallied 13 kills, hitting over .250. Sophomore Ella Brueggemann was the second touch on the majority of Bulldog attacks as she dished out 24 assists.
The Bulldogs honored four seniors before the match: Bella Hedke, Ava Greene, Lanie Brott and Maddie Paulsen.
The victory moved Concordia to 8-0 in conference play and kept the Bulldogs undefeated in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. The team will travel to Waldorf in Forest City, Iowa, on Friday, Oct. 9.
With the conference schedule continuing, Boldt emphasized that every player must remain ready to contribute.
“At any point in time, your name could be called,” Boldt said.
