After the tough 32-30 loss in the first set, MVNU (10-2) bounced back to take the second and third sets rather easily 25-18 and 25-22. Then, Capital (7-2), which had won four straight matches entering Wednesday night’s match, pulled out a 26-24 win in the fourth set to force a fifth and deciding set.

In the fifth set, the Lady Cougars held an early 6-4 lead before the Lady Crusaders rattled off six straight points to go up 10-6. With Capital holding a 13-10 advantage, MVNU scored seven of the next nine points to take the set 17-15 and earn an important victory.

“This was a great match tonight,” said MVNU head coach Paul Swanson. “The two teams battled back and forth and it had to be exciting for the fans. (Capital) did a great job defensively and made us earn our points. Everyone played well and raised the level of their game tonight. We are continuing to get better and this win is a big step in the right direction for us.”

Sophomore middle hitter Jackie Albrecht (above) led the Lady Cougars with a career-high 24 kills, 28 digs, and five blocks, while freshman middle hitter Gina Porto pounded a career-high 15 kills to go with four blocks. Senior outside hitter Audrey Hickinbotham matched her career high with 14 kills and posted a career-high 26 digs, and junior setter Kaylin Austen handed out 54 assists to go with a career-high 16 digs. Junior right-side hitter Courtney Springer tallied 10 kills and 17 digs, while freshman outside hitter Cieleste Rose had a career-high 23 digs and a team-leading four aces. Sophomore defensive specialist Caitlin Myles also registered a career-high 19 digs.

MVNU will take the weekend off now before returning to action next Thursday when the team will begin American Mideast Conference play with a match at the University of Northwestern Ohio at 7:00 p.m. The Lady Racers are currently 11-3 overall and received votes in the latest NAIA poll.