The Basics
Score: MNU 3 - Kansas Wesleyan 2 (edit: MNU 0 - KWU 2 fft)
Record: MNU (0-1), KWU (1-0)
Location: Mabee Center - Salina, Kan.
SALINA, Kan. - MNU took the season opener at Kansas Wesleyan for Head Coach
Molly Karagyaurov's 1st career victory on Tuesday. In Set 1, the Pioneers jumped out to 10-5 lead before an 11-3 run from the Coyotes gave KWU a 16-13 lead. MNU fought back and the set remained close to the end. MNU trailed 24-23 but fought off a set point with a 3-0 run to win 26-24. In Set 2, MNU started strongly and controlled throughout, winning 25-17. The next 2 sets were all KWU and the Pioneers lost 19-25 and 18-25 to force a 5th. The Pioneers jumped on KWU and built an 8-3 lead at the turn. The other side of the court proved just as dominant and the Pioneers won the next 6 points to take a 14-3 lead. The Coyotes won 3 points before MNU put them away to win 15-6. "We are happy!" said Coach Karagyaurov. "The team fought hard and earned that tonight. Going up 2-0 and then going 5 is always tough but we made a few adjustments and worked it out. I knew this was going to be a long game and it didn't disappoint. We had our JV girls cheering and several people who traveled to cheer us on which helps because Kansas Wesleyan is a solid team who created a great crowd environment. These girls get better every time we are in the gym and tonight was no exception. We are learning and growing as volleyball players and it's awesome to see. We aren't where we need to be but we are a baby step closer.
"On a personal note, it meant a lot for me to get my first win as a head coach and for that win to be in an MNU polo sitting next to Megan Hayes is surreal. I'm truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity God has given me. Our program verse is Psalm 115:1 'Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.' And that will be my hearts desire win or loss for my entire coaching career.
"Looking forward we have 4 games at home this weekend which will be a lot of volleyball. I'm working with my staff to vary our line-ups and develop the program during this pre-season portion of our schedule before conference starts."
Turning Point
After losing sets 3 and 4, MNU dominated the 5th.
Individual Leaders
Jacqueline Calvert led the way with 17 kills while hitting .448 with 7 blocks.
Magan Alexander had 11 kills and 3 blocks.
Rachel Dossett had 7 kills and 4 blocks.
Jennifer Roth added 8 kills and 19 digs.
McKenna Webster had 25 digs. And
Kourtney Hansen had 31 assists and 12 digs.
Inside the Box Score
MNU recorded 11 more kills than KWU.
Up Next
The next match is Friday at home in the MNU Invitational Tournament:
Friday: vs. Fisk 3pm, vs. Taylor 7pm
Saturday: vs. #8 Midland 11am, vs. Presentation 5pm
EDIT: this match was forfeited by MNU due to an ineligible player
