The Basics
Score: MNU 0 - Benedictine 3
Record: MNU (14-11, 10-8), MC (24-5, 15-3)
Location: Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. – MNU closed the 2026 season with a 3-0 loss to Benedictine on Saturday. The Pioneers battled the Ravens throughout a competitive second set, but Benedictine prevailed 25-20, 25-23, and 25-16. Laura Carbonell led MNU with 9 kills on a .350 hitting percentage, while Kennedy Smalley added 8 kills.

MNU opened the first set with a 2-0 lead and remained close through the early exchanges. The teams were tied at 11 before Benedictine scored 5 consecutive points to take a 16-11 advantage. The Pioneers trimmed the deficit to 21-19, but the Ravens held on for a 25-20 victory. MNU struggled offensively in the set, recording 8 kills against 12 attack errors.

The Pioneers responded with their strongest set of the match in the second. After falling behind 2-0, MNU scored 4 consecutive points and later used a 5-0 run behind the serving of Malasy Sakounlaphoum to take a 12-8 lead. The Pioneers maintained their advantage until Benedictine tied the score at 16 and eventually moved ahead 20-17.

MNU fought back from a 22-19 deficit with consecutive kills from Smalley and a service ace by Kyla Brandes to tie the set at 22. Benedictine scored the next 2 points, and although a Smalley block kept the Pioneers alive at 24-23, the Ravens claimed the final point for a 25-23 win.

Benedictine took control early in the third set, building a 6-1 lead. MNU pulled within 12-10 behind consecutive kills from Smalley, but the Ravens answered and extended their advantage to 17-12. Benedictine finished the match with a 25-16 victory, hitting .375 in the final set.

For the match, MNU recorded 32 kills, 54 digs, 30 assists, 5 service aces, and 3 blocks. Benedictine finished with 39 kills and a .275 hitting percentage compared to .080 for the Pioneers. Stefania Scomazzon led the Ravens with 18 kills.

Turning Point
The Pioneers fought back to tie the second set at 22, but the Ravens won 3 of the final 4 points to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.

Individual Leaders
Laura Carbonell: 9 kills, .350 hitting percentage
Kennedy Smalley: 8 kills
Mia Olson: 6 kills
Pola Madziewicz: 6 kills
Anna DeGraffenreid: 15 assists, 10 digs
Callie Winebarger: 12 assists, 3 digs
Emily Mathis: 14 digs
Malasy Sakounlaphoum: 3 service aces, 4 digs

Up Next
The next match is the 2027 season opener.