The Basics
Score: MNU 0 – Mount Mercy 3
Record: MNU (13-9, 9-6), Mount Mercy (18-6, 11-4)
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Hennessey Rec Center
Set Scores: 20-25, 15-25, 13-25

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – MNU struggled to find its offensive rhythm Friday evening, falling in straight sets at Mount Mercy. The Pioneers battled back from an early deficit in the opening set but couldn't sustain that momentum, dropping the match 25-20, 25-15, and 25-13.

Kennedy Smalley led MNU with 9 kills and 3 block assists, while Emily Mathis recorded a team-high 16 digs. Dominika Bartosz added 14 digs and 4 kills.

Mount Mercy jumped ahead 7-3 in the opening set, but MNU gradually worked its way back. A Bartosz service ace brought the Pioneers within 10-9, and a 4-point run behind Nayeli Rodriguez's serve erased a 15-12 deficit. Rodriguez delivered an ace to tie the score at 15.

Mia Olson followed with a kill to tie the set at 16, and an attack error by Mount Mercy gave MNU its first lead at 17-16. The Mustangs responded with 3 consecutive points to regain the advantage, then extended their lead to 23-18. Smalley recorded 2 late kills, but Mount Mercy closed out the set 25-20.

The Mustangs controlled the next two sets to take the match.

Turning Point
The Mustangs closed out the first set and maintained control for the remainder of the match.

Individual Leaders
Kennedy Smalley: 9 kills, 3 blocks
Emily Mathis: 16 digs
Dominika Bartosz: 4 kills, 14 digs
Callie Winebarger: 9 assists, 5 digs
Anna DeGraffenreid: 9 assists, 2 digs

Up Next
The next match is Saturday at Clarke at 2:00.