Volleyball moves to next round for NAIA tournament

Cougar fans packed Ariel Arena last Saturday to support the volleyball team in their game against Ashford University.

After only 1 loss in the regular season, the Lady Cougars came out ready to win. The team stepped out on the court with an energetic crowd amplifying the atmosphere. MVNU started out strong, gaining a 6-2 lead over Saints. After trailing for most of the game, Ashford University rallied, trailing only 23-22. The Cougars would score the next two points to win the game. Ashford came back out determined, but would miss the mark in the end. After a series of intense volleys and controversial calls, the Lady Cougars took the lead 2-0 in the match. The Saints felt the pressure and never caught back up. The Cougars won in 3 close games against Ashford University.

The Cougars advance in the NAIA National Championship final in Sioux City, Iowa. There are 24 teams in the tournament. It will be broken up into six pools with four teams competing in each pool. The top two teams from each pool will then begin single elimination bracket play starting December 4th.

MVNU has been placed in Pool D and will be playing Columbia on December 1st at 1:00 PM, Hastings on December 2nd at 3:15 PM, and fellow Ohioans, Lourdes on December 3rd at 1:00 PM.

The games can be viewed on ESPN3 or NAIANetwork.com.

For more information on the National tournament click here.

To read the official Cougar press release click here.

Click here to watch video of the final point courtesy of WNZR.tv.

Watch post game interviews with Coach Swanson, Marlowe Beatty and Annelise Rohrer here courtesy of WNZR.tv.