Five different players had at least seven kills for the Lady Cougars (19-6, 5-2 AMC) with the attack attempts ranging from 19 to 24 as MVNU had its most balanced attack of the year to knock off the Lady Raiders (12-9, 2-2 AMC). Junior setter Kaylin Austen (left) made it all possible as she handed out 40 assists. Sophomore middle hitter Jackie Albrecht pounded 14 kills in 22 attempts with no errors to go with 11 digs and two blocks, while senior outside hitter Audrey Hickinbotham added nine kills and 13 digs. Junior right-side hitter Courtney Springer and freshman middle hitter Gina Porto both had eight kills apiece with Springer tallying 11 digs and Porto registering two blocks. Sophomore middle hitter Sarah Yutzy finished with seven kills, and sophomore defensive specialist Caitlin Myles led the team with 18 digs.

“We did a really nice job of attacking the ball in this match,” said MVNU coach Paul Swanson. “Kaylin really distributed (the ball) well as we were aggressive with our passing that led to a lot of jump sets for her. Caitlin also did a nice job in the back row and really helped us with her defensive play. This was a good way to wrap up a successful week.”

The Lady Cougars will now head into a big week with five more matches. The week will start with a big conference match at NAIA No. 25 Walsh University on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Then, MVNU will finally return to the friendly confines of the Physical Education Center on Friday and Saturday for the annual Papa John’s Invitational as the Lady Cougars will play twice each day.