Box Score #6 MNU went to Baker and won a 5-set match to remain atop the HAAC on Wednesday. Including the post season, the Pioneers have won 24 straight matches vs. HAAC opponents dating back to 2011. Riding the emotion of a raucous crowd, Baker controlled play in the first 2 sets and won 25-22 and 25-23 to take a 2-0 lead in the match. In the middle of the third set, MNU trailed by a few points until they were able to turn the tide. Like a cresting wave, the Pioneer offense was relentless. The Pioneers won the third set 25-21 and kept the momentum going in a dominant fourth set, winning 25-14. Neither team could pull away in the fifth set, but MNU won late pivotal points to put pressure on the Wildcats. Baker fought off 2 match points before the Pioneers finally won 17-15 to complete the comeback.
Zoraida Heredia had a huge match, hitting .594 with 19 kills, 25 digs, and 4 blocks.
Vladi Kopanarova had 15 kills and 4 blocks.
Linjun Ji recorded 10 kills and 23 digs.
Taryn Salum had 49 assists, 19 digs, and 5 blocks. And
Britney Grittman and
Emily Hester had 6 blocks apiece.
The Pioneers are 20-1 (6-0 HAAC). The next game is a non-conference match at #10 Park (23-2) on Tuesday at 7:00. MNU defeated then-#11 Park at the Pioneer Invitational last month. Park's only losses this season have come to MNU and undefeated #2 Texas at Brownsville.
