Pioneers Survive Benedictine

The Basics
Score: MNU 3 - Benedictine 2
Record: MNU (25-0, 18-0), BC (14-12, 8-7)
Location: Cook Center | Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. - MNU faced their toughest test in the conference schedule and survived a 5-set grinder vs. Benedictine on Thursday. In Set 1, the Ravens got hot late and took a 24-21 lead. But the Pioneers fought off 3 straight set points to tie it at 24. A BC attack error followed by an MNU block capped a 5-0 run and the Pioneers stole the first set.

Sets 2 and 3 were controlled by the Ravens, and MNU lost 25-19 and 25-18 to find themselves on the brink. Set 4 was tight again, and MNU trailed 18-16 before calling a timeout. The Pioneers won 9 of the next 11 points, and forced a 5th set with a 25-21 win. The Ravens led the 5th set 4-2, but Mikayla Johnson went on a huge service run to win 11 straight points and take control at 13-4. MNU won 15-6 to survive the match.

"Wow! My hat is off to Benedictine," said head coach Molly Karagyaurov. "They played really well. They were well prepared and well-coached. That challenged us in an incredible way and I'm grateful it did. The goal isn't simply win - the goal is to develop and improve as we build towards post-season. Matches like that really make teams dig deep and individuals reflect. Before today, since mid-September, we had only dropped 3 sets total. So to be pressed and challenged tonight - I believe we needed that! We were fortunate to learn the lesson and sneak out the win."

Turning Point
MNU went on a 24-10 run to close the 4th and dominate the 5th sets to take the match.

Individual Leaders
Ariana Arciniega had 15 kills, 6 digs, and 4 blocks. Mikayla Johnson had 14 kills and 7 blocks. Teresa Saunders added 11 kills and 6 blocks. Lucie Maceckova had 10 kills and 13 digs. Cassidy Crist had 7 kills, 5 blocks, and 8 digs. Katrina Davis had 49 assists and 10 digs. And Savannah Crossland had 33 digs.

Up Next
The next match is Saturday at Baker (6-21, 4-13) at 2:00.