Pioneers Survive #16 CMU

The Basics
Score: MNU 3 - Central Methodist 1
Record: MNU (20-0, 13-0), CMU (15-7, 8-6)
Location: Cook Center | Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan - MNU is 20-0 after a tough 4-set match vs. #16 Central Methodist on Tuesday. The Eagles had control late in Set 1, leading MNU 24-22. But after a timeout, the Pioneers rallied for 4 straight points to steal the set. Set 2 was tight until the Pioneers found some separation at 19-15, but the Eagles came back and tied it at 23. Ariana Arciniega and Cassidy Crist capped off the set with consecutive kills, and MNU led 2-0. The Pioneers jumped out to a 6-1 lead in Set 3, but a timeout from CMU turned the tide. The Eagles won 15 of the next 19 points, and MNU was forced to call 2 timeouts in an attempt to stem the tide. The Eagles did lose their rhythm, however, and took the set 25-20. MNU controlled Set 4 early, leading 16-8 and 18-11. But the Eagles used a 7-0 run to tie the set at 21. Tied at 24, Olivia Perry and Mikayla Johnson closed out the match with kills, and the Pioneers survived 3-1.

Turning Point
MNU won the final 4 points of Set 1 to turn a loss into a win.

Individual Leaders
Mikayla Johnson hit .342 with 15 kills and 4 blocks. Cassidy Crist had 13 kills. Katrina Davis had 43 assists and 13 digs. And Savannah Crossland had 30 digs and 9 assists.

Up Next
The next match is Dig Pink Night on Friday at home vs. Evangel (14-11, 7-5) at 7:00. Wear pink.