MVNU (9-2) got the day under way with a 25-17, 25-21, 22-25, 25-13 victory over the Grenadiers of Indiana University-Southeast. Junior right-side hitter Courtney Springer (left) led the way with a season-high 17 kills to go with 17 digs and two blocks. Sophomore middle hitter Jackie Albrecht added 14 kills, 11 digs, four blocks, and two aces, while freshman middle hitter Gina Porto notched career highs in kills (12) and blocks (6). Junior setter Kaylin Austen handed out a season-high 45 assists to go with eight digs and three blocks, and freshman outside hitter Cieleste Rose posted a career-high 14 digs. Senior outside hitter Audrey Hickinbotham also pounded seven kills.

After Indiana-Southeast fell 25-19, 22-25, 22-25, 22-25 to Concordia (Mich.) University in the second match of the day, MVNU took the court again against Concordia (9-2). The Lady Cougars ended the Cardinals’ six-match winning streak with a 25-13, 25-18, 25-19 sweep. Albrecht paced MVNU with a career-high 19 kills, eight digs, and four blocks, while Porto added 11 kills. Austen handed out 38 assists, and Springer pounded 10 kills to go with two aces, four blocks, and 12 digs. Sophomore defensive specialist Caitlin Myles matched her career high with 13 digs, while Hickinbotham contributed 12 digs.

“We played well today and really attacked the ball,” said MVNU head coach Paul Swanson. “Kaylin did a nice job setting our hitters and they delivered. We had great hitting balance with Courtney, Jackie, and Gina each reaching double figures in kills in both matches. I also liked our enthusiasm and eagerness to play today.”

The Lady Cougars will return to action on Wednesday when MVNU will travel to Capital University for a non-conference match against the Lady Crusaders at 7:00 p.m.