No. 3 Concordia sweeps season series against Midland with four-set road victory

Concordia plays defense against Midland (photo from previous game).

Photo: Kai Olbrich

By Victor Tavares Paiva

Concordia’s volleyball team stepped up at key moments on Saturday as the third-ranked Concordia University defeated No. 11 Midland 3-1 on the road, earning a season sweep of its rival. 

Behind a strong serving performance from freshman Myla Emery, an efficient offensive attack and a solid defensive effort at the net, the Bulldogs secured a 25-22, 25-23, 21-25, 25-17 victory.

The win extended Concordia’s winning streak against Midland to eight consecutive matches and improved the Bulldogs’ overall record to 21-3, including a 12-1 mark in Great Plains Athletic Conference play, with three matches remaining in the regular season.

The opening set featured a competitive battle, with both teams exchanging points throughout the early stages. Concordia eventually created separation behind a serving run from Emery, building a 20-16 advantage and forcing Midland to call a timeout. The Warriors responded by cutting the deficit to 22-21, but the Bulldogs regained control in the closing moments. With key defensive plays and errors from Midland’s attack, Concordia reached set point before closing out the opener, 25-22.

Midland started the second set with greater intensity, building an early 4-1 lead behind its serving game. However, Concordia responded as Emery helped the Bulldogs regain momentum from the service line, bringing the score to 10-9. The teams remained close throughout the set before Concordia’s offense found its rhythm late. With senior Bella Hedke, senior Maddie Paulsen and sophomore Makenna Starkey contributing in the attack, the Bulldogs maintained their composure to take the set 25-23 and move within one set of the match.

The Warriors refused to go quietly in the third set. Taking advantage of passing and attacking errors from Concordia, Midland maintained a three-to-four-point advantage for much of the frame. The Bulldogs continued to compete, with senior Lanie Brott among the players who stepped up down the stretch, but Midland held on to win the set 25-21 and extend the match.

Concordia responded emphatically in the fourth. Emery opened the set with a dominant serving run that included three consecutive aces as the Bulldogs raced out to a 7-0 lead. Hedke contributed two kills during the early surge, helping Concordia establish control. The Bulldogs maintained their advantage throughout the set, hitting an impressive .483 while distributing the ball effectively across the front line. Midland struggled to slow the attack, and Concordia closed out the match with a commanding 25-17 victory.

Emery, the reigning GPAC Setter of the Week, played a decisive role in the win, finishing with 29 assists, 11 digs and five service aces. Sophomore Ella Brueggemann added 17 assists as the setter duo effectively distributed the ball to Concordia’s attacking options.

Hedke led the Bulldogs’ efficient middle attack, recording 10 kills and four blocks while hitting .500. Paulsen contributed eight kills while hitting .429, and Starkey added nine kills at a .412 hitting percentage. Junior Shandy Fa’ali’i also delivered a strong all-around performance with 12 kills, nine digs and one ace.

At the net, Starkey, Hedke and Laynee Baker each contributed at least four blocks as Concordia held a narrow 10-9 advantage in team blocks. The Bulldogs also dominated from the service line, finishing with 12 aces compared to Midland’s eight. Freshman Kyla Griess recorded three aces, while sophomore Jenna Sladky added two and finished with 17 digs.

Concordia outhit Midland .273 to .193, reflecting the Bulldogs’ ability to generate efficient offense while applying pressure with their serve and defense. Midland was led by Brooklynn Snyder, who recorded 12 kills, while Avery Couch added five blocks and Eme Myers led all players with 19 digs.

With the victory, Concordia earned its fifth win of the season against a ranked opponent and continued to strengthen its position near the top of the GPAC standings.

The Bulldogs will return to the road Wednesday for their final away match of the regular season, traveling to Lynn Farrell Arena to face Hastings. First serve is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. Concordia previously defeated the Broncos in five sets on Sept. 19 and will look to maintain its momentum as the regular season approaches its conclusion.