The Basics
Score: MNU 3 – Culver-Stockton 1
Record: MNU (13-8, 9-5), Culver-Stockton (5-21, 1-13)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Cook Center
Set Scores: 25-16, 19-25, 25-16, 25-19

OLATHE, Kan. – MNU picked up its second consecutive victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating Culver-Stockton in four sets. After splitting the opening two sets, the Pioneers took control of the match with a convincing third-set performance and held off a fourth-set rally to secure the win.

Mia Olson led the way with an outstanding offensive performance, recording 17 kills on a .452 hitting percentage while adding five blocks. Kyla Brandes contributed six kills and five service aces, helping MNU finish with 11 aces as a team.

The Pioneers started quickly in the opening set, jumping ahead 8-2 behind three early kills from Olson and two aces from Brandes. MNU extended its advantage to 13-4 before Culver-Stockton rallied to within 14-12. The Pioneers responded with three consecutive points, then closed the set on a five-point run highlighted by kills from Olson, Daelyn Cross, and Laura Carbonell. Malasy Sakounlaphoum delivered the set-winning ace for a 25-16 victory.

Culver-Stockton answered in the second set, building a 13-7 lead. MNU fought back with five straight points, including two aces from Nayeli Rodriguez, to pull within 13-12. The visitors responded with another five-point run, however, and maintained their advantage to take the set 25-19.

The third set was tightly contested through the opening stages, with the teams tied at 12-12. Olson broke the deadlock with a kill, and MNU followed with a block from Olson and Kennedy Smalley, an Emily Mathis service ace, and a Brandes kill to take a 16-12 lead.

Culver-Stockton stayed within striking distance at 19-16, but the Pioneers finished emphatically. Smalley recorded three kills during a six-point closing run as MNU claimed the third set 25-16.

MNU carried that momentum into the fourth set, racing to an 11-2 advantage during an eight-point service run by Brandes.

Culver-Stockton mounted a comeback, trimming the lead to 14-13. MNU answered with five consecutive points, including a Rodriguez ace and a Smalley kill, to regain control at 19-13.

The Pioneers maintained their advantage down the stretch, with Olson delivering three of MNU's final four kills, including the match winner, to seal the 25-19 victory.

MNU finished with 44 kills, 75 digs, and 8.5 team blocks. The Pioneers' defense limited Culver-Stockton to a .000 hitting percentage, while Mathis anchored the back row with 25 digs.

Turning Point
With the match tied at 1 and the third set deadlocked at 12-12, MNU scored four consecutive points to take a 16-12 lead.

Individual Leaders
Mia Olson: 17 kills, .452 hitting percentage, 5 blocks
Emily Mathis: 25 digs, 6 assists, 1 ace
Kyla Brandes: 6 kills, 5 aces, 4 digs
Callie Winebarger: 18 assists, 8 digs, 1 ace
Anna DeGraffenreid: 13 assists, 14 digs
Nayeli Rodriguez: 3 aces, 5 digs

Up Next
MNU's next match is Friday at Mt. Mercy at 7:00.