No. 17 Bulldogs down Tigers

SEWARD, Neb. – In their final road game of the season, the Dakota Wesleyan University volleyball team lost to No. 17 Concordia University in four sets Sunday in a Great Plains Athletic Conference matchup in Seward, Neb.

 Set scores were 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 19-25.

 The Tigers (20-11, 4-11 GPAC) took an early 3-0 lead following a Rebecca Frick (Yankton, S.D.) kill. After falling in a 21-16 hole, DWU climbed back within two points following an Emily Brunsing (Wagner, S.D.) kill. However, the comeback fell short as the Bulldogs (22-4, 11-4 GPAC) took the first set.

 After trailing by two points in the second set, DWU went on a 6-0 run to take a 20-16 lead following a Chaydon Metzger (Larchwood, Iowa) kill. After a kill by Bridgett Knobbe (Norfolk, Neb.), the Tigers took the second set following a pair of Bulldog errors.

 Frick gave the Tigers an early 8-5 lead in the third set. However, Concordia went on a 7-0 run to hold a 12-8 lead moments later. DWU tied the game at 16 following a Brittany Bergquist (Wolsey, S.D.) kill. However, it was not enough as the Bulldogs held on to win the third set.

 In the fourth set, Concordia took an early 6-1 advantage. The Tigers mounted a comeback later in the set following consecutive Callie Heath (Colome, S.D.) kills. But the Bulldogs fended off the Tigers to win the set and the game.

 Frick led the team with 19 kills and 16 digs, as Brunsing totaled 11 kills and three blocks. Mariah Gloe (Watertown, S.D.) finished with 11 kills, as Mallory Cooper (Orchard, Neb.) added 28 digs.

 The Tigers conclude the season versus (RV) Morningside College at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Christen Family Athletic Center.