The Basics
Score 1: MNU 1 – Indiana Wesleyan 3
Score 2: MNU 0 – Concordia 3
Score 3: MNU 3 – Columbia 0
Record:Â MNU (1-2)
Location: Marion, Ind. – Luckey Arena
MARION, Ind. – MidAmerica Nazarene opened its 2025 campaign with a tough test against No. 1 Indiana Wesleyan and showed fight in a four-set battle. The Pioneers stunned the Wildcats early, taking the first set 25-20 behind strong play at the net. But IWU responded with three straight set wins (25-19, 25-13, 25-21) to claim the match.
Turning Point
After MNU grabbed momentum with a Set 1 victory, IWU took control in Set 3 by hitting .196 with 14 kills while holding the Pioneers to just six. That surge swung the match firmly in favor of the Wildcats.
Individual Leaders
In its second top-five matchup of the day, MNUÂ battled but could not keep pace with No. 4 Concordia, falling in straight sets (23-25, 15-25, 20-25). The Pioneers pushed the Bulldogs to the brink in the opening frame, but Concordia's front line controlled the net the rest of the way.
Turning Point
Trailing 1-0 in the match, MNU was stifled in Set 2, hitting -.111 as Concordia rolled to a 25-15 win. The Bulldogs' block set the tone and carried momentum through the sweep.
Individual Leaders
In Game 3 vs. Columbia, MMNUÂ closed its opening weekend on a high note, sweeping Columbia (25-13, 25-20, 25-18) to notch its first win of the season. The Pioneers' offense clicked from start to finish, hitting .286 as a team with four players registering at least five kills.
Turning Point
A 10-2 surge in Set 1 behind the serving of Emily Mathis, who delivered back-to-back aces, gave MNU complete control. From there, the Pioneers never let Columbia back into the match.
Individual Leaders
Up Next
The next game is Tuesday at home vs. Stephens (0-0) at 7:00.
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