Close Game for UMD Volleyball
Paige Decker (#6), sophomore from Rochester, scores a point for the team with a hit from the outside. Photo by Finlee Matejcek
The rivalry between UMD and Concordia St. Paul Volleyball continued on Saturday, Sept. 21. The game marked a nine game loss streak for the Bulldogs against Concordia, but they did not go down without a fight. The game went to five sets of close calls and lots of back and forth.
The first set was almost point-for-point until the Bulldogs began to pull away at point 15, leading to a final score of Bulldogs 25-17. But the Bulldogs and Concordia were only warming up. Both teams brought their A Game in the second set which ended in another win for UMD at 25-21. The set winning hit was beautifully executed by #14, Payton Addink, a senior outside hitter from Wisconsin.
The team huddles during a Bulldog timeout in the fourth set. Photo by Finlee Matejcek
At this point, it seemed clear who was going to come out on top. The third set began with a timeout from Concordia at 4-1. It was looking good for the home team until Concordia began to catch up and get in a substantial lead. UMD was able to dig themselves out of the hole but it wasn't enough. The third set came to a close with a 19-25 win for Concordia.
UMD and Concordia continued this battle through the fourth set, going back and forth right up until the end. The teams and crowds from both sides were fired up after a big block, bringing the score to 21-22. It was anyone's game until Concordia came out on top, the final score of 23-25 tied the game.
Bulldog setter, Maddi Kealy, continues to be essential to UMD's roster. Photo by Finlee Matejcek
The fifth set was even faster paced than the others. It was looking bleak for the Bulldogs until they called the first timeout at 0-4. This motivated them to tie up the score once again. It was a very close game of back and forth – lots of strong hits from both sides and digs that kept the ball in the air. To much of the crowd's surprise, Concordia took the win at a final score of 12-15.
Despite this loss, the Bulldogs played a great game and were very strong as a team. They are 7-2 so far this season and have many games coming up. Make sure to catch their next home game on Friday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Romano Gym.