In the opening match of the tri-match, MVNU swept the host Redwomen 30-14, 30-22, 30-20 in an American Mideast Conference South Division match. Senior middle hitter Shena Beheler led the way with 18 kills, 11 digs, and six blocks, while sophomore outside hitter Courtney Springer pounded 10 kills in just 16 attempts to go with 10 digs. Freshman middle hitter Jackie Albrecht contributed nine kills and 11 digs, and senior libero Tiffany Milburn registered 16 digs. Sophomore setter Kaylin Austen also handed out 45 assists and tallied 12 digs, while junior outside hitter Audrey Hickinbotham pounded nine kills.

Then, the Lady Cougars (20-1, 6-0 AMC South), who received votes in the latest NAIA national poll, closed out the day by making short work of Central State University with a 30-9, 30-7, 30-9 non-conference victory. Freshman middle hitter Sarah Yutzy led MVNU with eight kills, five blocks, and two aces, while freshman outside hitter Emily Walsh added seven kills, six digs, and three aces. Sophomore middle hitter Julie Haumschild posted three blocks, and freshman setter Caitlin Myles (left) contributed seven digs and seven assists. Austen also handed out 21 assists with seven digs, while Milburn registered five kills in five attempts.

“We took care of business in the first match and picked up another important conference road win,” said MVNU head coach Paul Swanson. “Then, in the second match, we were able to rest some of our starters and give our younger players an opportunity. Now, it sets up an important match next Thursday, and I would encourage anyone who likes good volleyball to come out and watch.”

The Lady Cougars will return to action on Thursday when MVNU will host Walsh University in the Physical Education Center at 7:00 p.m. in a battle for first place in the AMC South Division. The Lady Cavaliers are ranked 19th in the latest NAIA poll and entered play on Saturday with an 18-3 overall record and a 4-0 conference mark. Walsh has won three of the last five AMC South titles. As part of Thursday’s festivities, Cougar Sports Associates will be providing free popcorn during the match as part of the effort to fill the gym for the big showdown.