The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's volleyball team began its 2026 season with a victory against Graceland University during the Olivet Nazarene Tourney in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Despite a slow start in the first set, falling behind 7-15, MVNU managed to tie the game at 19-19 and eventually secured a 25-23 win after a five-point run. The Cougars maintained their momentum into the second set, leading throughout and winning 25-21.
In the third set, although Graceland initially held control, MVNU rallied from a 15-18 deficit to win 25-20. Tommy Tierney led with ten kills in his collegiate debut, followed by Ethan Cline with nine kills. Xander Devault and Noah Wineberg contributed seven kills each, with Wineberg also achieving five blocks. Jaxson Snell provided 28 assists and led the team with seven digs.
MVNU will continue its participation in the Olivet Nazarene Tourney with matches against Midway University and Dordt University scheduled for January 23 at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. EST respectively.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private Christian institution located on a 327-acre campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio. It offers both traditional and online education to nearly 2,200 students from various states and countries.
