Pioneers Win 5-Set Thriller at Nationals

The Basics
Score: MNU 3 - Southern Oregon 2
Record: MNU (30-1), SOU (22-12)
Location: Tyson Events Center | Sioux City, Iowa

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - #10 MNU won their 3rd straight 5-set match, this time over Southern Oregon, in the first match of pool play in the NAIA National Tournament on Thursday. MNU struggled to find their footing in Set 1, and the Raiders dominated to a 25-15 win for a 1-0 lead. The Pioneers found rhythm late in Set 2 to turn the tables, and evened the match with a 25-18 win. It was all MNU in Set 3, and the Pioneers won convincingly 25-15 to take a 2-1 lead. The 4th set was tight throughout, as neither team led by more than 4. SOU found the final 2 points, however, and won the set 26-24 to force a 5th. MNU built a 10-7 lead in the 5th, but the Raiders scored 5 of the next 6 points to take a 12-11 lead. But the Pioneers responded with a rally for 4 straight points to secure the match.

"We are thrilled!" said coach Molly Maragyaurov. "Anytime you can get a win in this tournament it is something to be celebrated. Southern Oregon was tough today. They got all their jitters out yesterday and really brought it today. I am proud of the girls. We are working hard as a group to make adjustments on the fly and continue to win. My staff gives great support and feedback to operate that way. Individually, our middles - Mikayla Johnson and Teresa Saunders - had standout performance. Lucie Maceckova contributed on both sides of the ball for all 6 rotations. Ultimately, winning is fun! We are humbled and grateful for this season. We are looking forward to tomorrow against a tough Dakota Wesleyan team and a chance at the quarterfinals."

Turning Point
MNU won the final 4 points to take the 5th set.

Individual Leaders
Lucie Maceckova had 19 kills and 10 digs. Mikayla Johnson hit .640 with 16 kills and 8 blocks. Teresa Saunders hit .438 with 16 kills and 3 blocks. Ariana Arciniega had 9 kills and 12 digs. Katrina Davis had 57 assists and 9 digs. And Savannah Crossland had 21 digs.

Up Next
The next match is Friday in Sioux City vs. #6 Dakota Wesleyan (24-7) at 7:00. The winner advances to the national quarterfinals.