UMD Volleyball Splits Weekend at Home

This weekend brought a marquee challenge for the No. 2 UMD women’s volleyball team, including a matchup with the No. 1 team in the nation, Concordia-St. Paul.

Friday night was a rematch of volleyball powers as UMD fell to Concordia three sets to two in a back and forth match that went to the decisive fifth set.

Earlier this season, UMD was able to go on the road and hand the Golden Bears just one of their two losses on the season. Friday night, Concordia evened the season series with the Bulldogs, each team winning a match against each other this season.

The energy was at an all time high in Romano on Friday night. The crowd was electric and numerous long rallies had the entire gym on the pins and needles.

“In our league, in this region, there are so many talented teams that we are going to have points that go on and on and on, so (the players) understand that if they don’t battle through those rallies that they will come out on the wrong end of things,” UMD head coach Jim Boos said following Friday night’s loss.

UMD was unable to capitalize on the packed gymnasium, but looked to build on the crowd momentum from Friday night.

“One of the strengths this team has is their energy, their passion and the way they rally around each other,” Boos said.

Saturday brought a different storyline and a Bulldog victory to boot against the Mankato State University Mavericks.

UMD was in control for a majority of the match, only dropping one set as they cruised to their 23rd win of the regular season over the Mavericks.

Sophomore outside hitter, Makenzie Morgan led the way for the Bulldogs with 18 kills, three aces and two blocks.

“If we play the way we are capable of, we limit our errors and we play with the intensity and energy we need, we can be really good and compete with anybody,” Boos said Saturday following the game.

The Bulldogs will wrap up their regular season next weekend when they travel to Upper Iowa University and Winona State University.