The Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) women's basketball team began 2026 with a victory against Grace College, winning 99-82 in Winona Lake, Indiana. This win marks MVNU's first Crossroads League victory of the season. The Lady Cougars, now holding a record of 5-10 overall and 1-4 in the league, showed strong performance despite a long break since their last game.
In the first quarter, MVNU took an early lead of 26-14 by shooting 60% from the field and recording ten assists. Although Grace College closed the gap to three points in the second quarter, MVNU extended its lead to 52-42 by halftime. The third quarter saw MVNU maintain its momentum, increasing its advantage to 75-60 after Melodie Blubaugh's three-pointer. The final quarter was dominated by MVNU's defense, limiting Grace College to just 30% shooting.
Anna Swisshelm matched her career-high with 28 points on efficient shooting. Lily Shepherd contributed with 25 points and five assists. Angela Roshak added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Blubaugh scored 12 points.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a member of both the Crossroads League and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), as detailed on their official about page. As an evangelical Christian liberal arts institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, MVNU emphasizes community service and global outreach through its programs official mission page.
MVNU will next face Indiana Wesleyan University at Ariel Arena on January 7.
