The Basics
Score: MNU 3 – Clarke 1
Record: MNU (14-9, 10-6), Clarke (10-17, 6-10)
Location: Dubuque, Iowa
Set Scores: 25-20, 19-25, 25-11, 25-20

DUBUQUE, Iowa – MNU bounced back from Friday's loss at Mount Mercy with a 3-1 victory at Clarke on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers dominated at the net with 15 blocks and delivered an outstanding offensive performance in the third set to earn their 10th Heart victory of the season.

Mia Olson led the offense with 12 kills and a .409 hitting percentage, adding 6 blocks. Maja Ludyga controlled the net with a match-high 9 blocks, while Kennedy Smalley contributed 9 kills and 6 blocks. MNU finished with 43 kills, 9 aces, and a .206 hitting percentage.

The opening set was tightly contested, with Clarke holding a 15-13 advantage before MNU rallied. A block by Ludyga and Dominika Bartosz helped tie the score at 15, and Bartosz followed with a kill to give the Pioneers a 17-16 lead. Anna DeGraffenreid then delivered an ace to make it 18-16.

With MNU leading 19-17, Kyla Brandes sparked a 4-point run that included consecutive service aces and a kill from Pola Madziewicz. Clarke trimmed the deficit to 23-20, but Smalley answered with a kill, and a block by Olson and Smalley finished the set, 25-20.

MNU started the second set with a 5-1 lead behind 4 early kills from Olson. Clarke responded with 4 straight points to tie the score, and neither team could establish much separation through the middle of the set. The score was tied at 18 before Clarke scored 6 consecutive points to take control. The Pride finished the set 25-19 to even the match.

The third set belonged entirely to MNU.

After falling behind 3-0, the Pioneers scored 8 consecutive points behind Emily Mathis' serve. Mathis delivered 2 aces during the run, while Smalley contributed 2 kills. MNU continued to build its lead, extending the margin to 16-7 and eventually 24-10.

Olson finished the set with a kill for a 25-11 victory. The Pioneers were nearly flawless offensively, recording 10 kills without an attack error for a remarkable .500 hitting percentage.

The fourth set was another battle, featuring 10 ties and 6 lead changes. Clarke rallied from a 6-2 deficit to lead 10-8, but MNU stayed within striking distance. With the score tied at 15, Olson and Laura Carbonell delivered consecutive kills, and Nayeli Rodriguez followed with an ace to give the Pioneers an 18-15 advantage.

MNU extended the lead to 24-18 behind more strong blocking from Ludyga and Bartosz. Clarke saved 2 match points before Bartosz finished the match with a kill for the 25-20 victory.

MNU's 15 blocks were more than double Clarke's 7, and the Pioneers held the Pride to a .109 hitting percentage.

Turning Point
After splitting the opening 2 sets, MNU completely took over the third.

Individual Leaders
Mia Olson: 12 kills, 6 blocks
Maja Ludyga: 9 blocks
Kennedy Smalley: 9 kills, 6 blocks
Laura Carbonell: 8 kills, 2 digs
Pola Madziewicz: 8 kills, 4 digs, 2 blocks
Dominika Bartosz: 5 kills, 14 digs, 4 blocks
Emily Mathis: 15 digs, 2 aces, 2 assists
Anna DeGraffenreid: 21 assists, 9 digs, 2 aces
Callie Winebarger: 19 assists, 2 aces, 2 digs
Kyla Brandes: 2 aces
Nayeli Rodriguez: 5 digs

Up Next
The next match is Friday at home vs. Baker at 7:00.