MVNU Opens Pool Play with Victory over College of Idaho

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The No. 11 Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's volleyball team (27-8) opened Pool Play at the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Tournament at the Tyson Events Center against the No. 19 College of Idaho (19-12) on Thursday, December 4.

MVNU started strong, opening the first set with a 7-4 spurt. The Lady Cougars didn't let up, pushing their lead to 18-7. MVNU would win set one by a score of 25-14. The Lady Cougars continued their inspired play in the second set, jumping out to a 7-2 lead. The Yotes were no match in set two, falling 25-16.

The Yotes did respond in the third set and used a strong start to claim its first set win of the night. The College of Idaho took set three 25-18. The fourth set was a thriller as both teams fought for control. In the set, there were a total of 16 lead changes. The Yotes trailed 22-24 but ripped off three straight points to take a 25-24 lead. MVNU battled, forcing extra points and tying the match at 27-27. MVNU scored the final two points and would take the victory with a score of 29-27 in set four.

Evelyn Brown led the way with 15 kills and a .536 hitting percentage. Libby Evanshine had 14 kills, five digs and a block. Faith Maloney and Morgan Schlabach each had nine kills, while the latter added 11 digs. Jaelyn Tang had 23 digs. Reagan Nuss had 37 assists, 13 digs and five kills.

What's Next

MVNU will now play No. 6 Providence (MT.) on Friday, December 5 for a spot in Bracket Play. First serve at the Tyson Events Center is set for 4:30 p.m. EST.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.