Lady Cougars Sweep Spring Arbor in Crossroads League Action


	Lady Cougar Volleyball Recaps Lady Cougars Sweep Spring Arbor in Crossroads League Action written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (9-7-2012) - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's volleyball team remained unbeaten in Crossroads League play as the Lady Cougars swept Spring Arbor (Mich.) University 25-22, 25-23, 25-13 in conference action in the Physical Education Center on Friday evening. MVNU (7-3, 2-0 Crossroads), which went just 5-13 in conference play a year ago and lost both meetings with Spring Arbor, rallied to win the first set and then held off the visiting Lady Cougars (1-11, 0-2 Crossroads) in the second set before clicking on all cylinders to take the third set and the match. Senior outside hitter Haley Nofziger led MVNU with 13 kills, while senior middle hitter Gina Porto and junior outside hitter Kendra Votaw each pounded 11 kills with Porto leading the team with three blocks and two aces. Senior setter Lauren Percival handed out 35 assists, and senior libero Kaylee Hewitt posted a team-best 15 digs. Sophomore right side hitter Molly Gerber also hammered nine kills in just 14 attempts with no errors. "Obviously, the first two sets were back and forth as both teams had comebacks, and it was great to persevere and win both sets," said MVNU coach Paul Swanson. "Then, we turned things on in the third set. Other than a lull in the second set, we really got better. We out-executed them and that's why the score was what it was." "We got a great match out of Molly," Swanson continued. "Overall, we did a great job in the back row and Kaylee did a great job, especially on serve reception. She handled a lot of balls and handled them well. I felt like we served aggressively as a team and it kept them from getting into a flow. That was a big advantage for us." "Certainly, this is a big win for us," Swanson added. "Last year, it was a struggle to win any conference matches, and to be 2-0 is great. We have a very important match tomorrow. Our goal is to keep getting more competitive and to keep working to get better and better and better." The Lady Cougars will return to action at home on Saturday at 1 p.m. when MVNU will host the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) in another Crossroads League contest. Saint Francis (4-6, 1-1 Crossroads) nearly upset NAIA No. 17 Taylor (Ind.) University in conference play on Friday before falling in five sets.

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