No. 16 MVNU Conquers No. 18 Grace in Top 20 Clash

WINONA LAKE, Ind. — The No.16 Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's volleyball team (26-3, 13-3) traveled on Wednesday, October 30 for a matchup with big Crossroads League seeding implications, taking on the No.18 Grace College Lady Lancers (19-7, 12-4).

MVNU went head-to-head with Grace in a thrilling, down-to-the-wire five-set match. The match saw an intense seesaw battle in every set throughout the night. MVNU opened strong, taking the first set 27-25, but Grace responded by winning the next two sets by scores of 25-23 each. MVNU fought back to claim the fourth set 25-22, forcing a decisive fifth set.

In the final set, both sides traded points, bringing the score to a standstill at 5-5. MVNU got rolling and took a 13-9 lead following a powerful kill from Lyssi Snouffer, assisted by Reagan Nuss. In response, Grace called a timeout and returned with a strong offensive push, leveling the score at 13-13. The Lady Cougars stepped up, securing the final two points to clinch a thrilling 15-13 victory in the highly anticipated ranked matchup.

With the win, MVNU moved past Grace into the second spot in the Crossroads League standings.

Inside the Box Score:

Nuss – 53 assists, 18 digs, 4 blocks, 2 kills, and 1 service ace

Jaelyn Tang – 31 digs, 4 assists, 2 service aces, and 1 kill

Snouffer – 24 digs, 23 kills, 2 blocks, and 1 service ace

Faith Maloney – 18 kills, 6 digs, and 3 blocks

Libby Evanshine – 11 kills and 4 blocks

Abbey Niemesh – 6 kills and 5 blocks

What's Next:

MVNU hosts Spring Arbor University in Crossroads League Conference action at Ariel Arena on Saturday, November 2. First serve is at 3:00 p.m.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.