Apr. 03–


The 2007 NCAA Division II National Champion Concordia University volleyball team was honored on Wednesday evening at the Metrodome as they were invited to be pre-game guests for the Minnesota Twins game against the Los Angeles Angels. For more photos, click on the story headline, or visit the photo gallery to the left.


The team was publicly recognized for their championship run as the Public Address announcer read highlights and awards over the Metrodome loudspeaker, introducing each player and the coaching staff. During that time, the Metrodome's Jumbotrons flashed photos of Concordia's march through the Elite Eight to the National Championship.

(above right, AVCA National Coach of the Year Brady Starkey gets a high-five from Twins Mascot TC)


After the team was recognized, it was time for the ceremonial first pitch, thrown by the lone senior on the team, Kate Bennett (Eagan, Minn.). After Bennett hurled in the pitch, she celebrated with a shimmy alone on the mound before the Twins mascot TC gave her a high five and the first pitch ball.


The team enjoyed the game from excellent seats behind home plate and would later lead the 21,932 fans in attendance in the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the seventh inning stretch.


Unfortunately, the home town team did not pull out a victory, however, as the Angels scored the only run in the game on a wild pitch in the top of the seventh inning while the volleyball team was getting together near the baseball press box to prepare to sing.