MVNU (21-7) was able to get the entire team involved in the first match as the Lady Cougars cruised to a 25-8, 25-10, 25-8 win over St. Catharine (1-25). Senior outside hitter Audrey Hickinbotham led the team with nine kills, while sophomore middle hitter Jackie Albrecht pounded six kills. Sophomore middle hitter Sarah Yutzy and freshman outside hitter Megan Yoder both finished with five kills apiece, and junior setter Kaylin Austen handed out 28 assists. Freshman outside hitter Cieleste Rose served up five aces to go with four kills and seven digs, while sophomore outside hitter Abby Smith (left) led MVNU with 10 digs.

In the second match of the night, the Lady Cougars posted a 25-13, 25-13, 26-24 victory over Lindsey Wilson (16-6). After posting decisive wins in the first two sets, the Blue Raiders built a 24-20 lead in the third set only to watch as MVNU scored the final six points to win the set and claim the match. Freshman middle hitter Gina Porto led the Lady Cougars with 10 kills and five blocks, while Albrecht posted a double-double with 10 kills and 12 digs. Hickinbotham added nine kills, and Austen handed out 32 assists. Sophomore libero Caitlin Myles also contributed a team-high 14 digs, while junior right-side hitter Courtney Springer registered six kills and four blocks including two consecutive ones against 6-foot-4 Katharina Nobel, who is nine inches taller than Springer.

“The first match was nice because we were able to get all of our players involved,” said MVNU coach Paul Swanson, who has now guided the Lady Cougars to 22 straight seasons with 20 or more wins. “I thought we played very well in the second match against Lindsey Wilson. We passed the ball very well in the first two sets especially. Then, we showed great poise and composure to rally for the win in the third set. (Lindsey Wilson) is a good team and this was a nice win for us.”

MVNU will be back in action on Saturday with two more matches. The Lady Cougars will take on Marian (Ind.) College at 10:00 a.m. The Knights (16-9) swept matches from St. Catharine and Judson (Ill.) University on Friday and are the other 2-0 team in the five-team tournament. Then, MVNU will close out the tournament at 2:00 p.m. against Judson (Ill.) University. The Eagles lost both of their matches on Friday in straight sets. In other action on Saturday, Marian and Lindsey Wilson will square off at noon as will Judson and St. Catharine. Then, in the other 2:00 p.m. match, Lindsey Wilson will take on St. Catharine.