In the setback to Bethel, MVNU (34-10) was led by sophomore middle hitter Jackie Albrecht (left) with 14 kills, 16 digs, four blocks, and two aces, while junior setter Kaylin Austen handed out 40 assists to go with 12 digs. Freshman middle hitter Gina Porto added 13 kills and three blocks, and sophomore middle hitter Sarah Yutzy contributed 10 kills, three blocks, and two aces. Sophomore libero Caitlin Myles led the Lady Cougars with 23 digs, while junior right-side hitter Courtney Springer added 16 digs.

“We got out-played in the back row in this match,” said MVNU coach Paul Swanson. “We played a great third set and a good fourth set, but it was not enough against a good team.”

In the sweep of Southern Wesleyan, Albrecht pounded a team-leading 17 kills to go with 10 digs, while Springer added nine kills and 10 digs. Porto finished with eight kills, and Austen handed out 35 assists with 14 digs. Myles tallied 17 digs, and Yutzy led the team with four blocks. Senior outside hitter Audrey Hickinbotham also contributed 10 digs.

The Lady Cougars will close out pool play on Friday at 11:00 a.m. MST against Oakland City (Ind.) University and at 4:00 p.m. MST against Dallas Baptist (Texas) University. MVNU most likely will need to win both matches in order to have a chance to move on to the semifinals on Saturday. The top two teams from each of the two pools will advance to the single elimination portion.