The Pionees upset top-seeded Evangel 3-1 on Wednesday and will play for the HAAC Tournament title on Saturday. Evangel took the first set 20-25, but the Pioneers answered back quickly in Set 2 by taking a 5-0 lead. The Crusaders came back and the set was close at the end, but MNU won 27-25. Evangel had not dropped 2 sets in a single match in 15 consecutive matches, but MNU controlled Set 3 and pushed Evangel to an elimination set with a 25-22 victory. The fourth set was also controlled by the Pioneers, who held a 2 or 3-point lead most of the way. The Crusaders fought back late to tie it at 23, but MNU won the next two points to win the match and stun the HAAC.
Megan Hayes (14), Ashley Fantazia (11), Megan Holick (10), and Molly Brewster (10) reached double figures in kills. Melissa Anaya had 43 assists. Laura Hamblin (20), Brewster (17), Anaya (16), and Holick (12) had double-digit digs. And Anna Nostrant (7), Hayes (7), and Fantazia (5) dominated the net with several blocks apiece.
The Pioneers are 13-18 (6-4 HAAC). The next match is the HAAC Conference Tournament Title Game: Saturday the 13th at Lindenwood (32-12, 8-2) at 2:00.
