Lady Cougars end their season 31-6

The MVNU volleyball team (31-6) finished the 2016-17 season with a 3-1 loss to Corban College in the opening round of the NAIA National Championship (25-22, 22-25, 10-25, 25-27).

Three Lady Cougars recorded double-digit kills during the game. Junior Alyson Near led the offensive attack with 12 while senior Annelise Rohrer picked up 11 and junior Kelsey Bryte tallied 10.

Rohrer was awarded Crossroads League Player of the Year for the third straight season, leading the conference in kills with 4.1 per set. The senior outside hitter also finished third in the league in hitting percentage, recording 28 percent.

Rohrer said she is thankful for her chance to participate in the MVNU volleyball program and compete in nationals.

“It was an awesome opportunity to get to travel to Oregon and play competitive volleyball,” Rohrer said.

Rohrer looks back on her time at MVNU with gratitude.

“We got to invest in each other’s lives, and I am so thankful to God for the chance to be part of this team,” she said.

She also expressed her appreciation for Head Coach Paul Swanson. “Coach has set the stage for a wonderful, Christ-centered atmosphere.”

Gingerich was given Crossroads League Libero of the Year honors. She led the conference with six digs per set.

Gingerich, Rohrer and sophomore Kristen Osborn were selected to the All-Crossroads League First Team. Near was included in the All-Crossroads League second team. Junior Kelsey Bryte was given All-Crossroads League Honorable Mention honors.

The Lady Cougars finished with more than 30 wins and an NAIA National Championship appearance for the second season in a row.

“I have loved being part of this team. We won together, we lost together, we got to celebrate the victories, embrace the challenges, and mourn the losses—all together,” Rohrer said.