Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information
SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The Montana Western volleyball team (22-7) lost 3-0 in the opening game of pool play at the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championships to no. 4 Concordia University (Neb.) by scores of 25-23, 25-21 and 25-13.
The Bulldogs will look to bounce back tomorrow as they face no. 13 Midland University in the second matchup of pool play.
How It Happened
Concordia got the jump early in the first set, claiming a 14-11 lead over UMW. A kill from Danyel Martin broke a 3-0 run from Concordia. Down three, the Bulldogs utilized their front with kills from Jordan Olson and Martin to bring it back to 21-20. UMW's last-ditch effort brought the Bulldogs back within two to fall 25-23 in set one.
After falling to a 7-3 deficit, UMW found their way back and took their first lead of the set at 11-10 behind a statement block from Peyton Vogl and Jordan Olson. Up 21-20 down the stretch, UMW struggled to close out the set and Concordia rode a 5-0 run to finish the set two win.
The powerful attack from the Concordia front, paired with errors on UMW's side of the net proved too much for the Bulldogs. Concordia cruised to a set three victory of 25-13.
Notables
UMW struggled behind errors much of the game, racking up three service aces in the second set alone and four in the match. They also totaled 21 hitting errors and three blocking errors.
Concordia's powerful front saw three hitters reach double digits in kills as the team recorded a .225 hitting percentage compared to UMW's .128 hitting percentage.
The Red and Black recorded an impressive 10 blocks in the matchup, one more than the Bulldogs of Concordia.
Vogl led the Bulldogs with nine kills and four blocks.
Martin led the Bulldog front with five blocks. She also had seven kills.
Kelsey Goddard totaled 24 digs and seven assists.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will look to turn it around ad they face no. 13 Midland University (Neb.) at 12pm MT tomorrow for their final game of pool play.
