On February 11, the Mount Vernon Nazarene University women’s basketball team lost to Indiana Wesleyan University with a final score of 78-57.
The game saw Indiana Wesleyan start strong with a 12-0 lead in the first quarter before Kylie Leibacher scored a three-pointer for Mount Vernon Nazarene. Despite efforts by Anna Swisshelm and Lily Shepherd, Indiana Wesleyan maintained and expanded its lead throughout the game. Swisshelm led Mount Vernon Nazarene with 15 points and four rebounds off the bench, while Leibacher contributed 12 points, one rebound, and one assist. The Lady Cougars shot 100% from the free throw line, 44% from the field, and 33.3% from the three-point line. They caused eight turnovers resulting in eight points but gave up 18 turnovers that led to 25 points for Indiana Wesleyan. According to MVNU Athletics, Mount Vernon Nazarene will next host Bethel University on Saturday, February 14 at Ariel Arena.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year Christian teaching university serving traditional students, graduate students, and working adults. The university's main campus covers 327 acres in Mount Vernon, Ohio and enrolls nearly 2,100 students from 33 states and 26 foreign countries. According to the official about page, it is a member of the Crossroads League and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
According to its official mission page, Mount Vernon Nazarene emphasizes community service and global outreach through its programs, drawing from Wesleyan evangelical traditions to foster cultural and value development. The university focuses on educating the whole person and fostering Christ-like qualities for lifelong learning and service.
The official history page lists facilities such as the R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium and the Center for Student Success among campus features. The university has been led by presidents including Dr. Carson Castleman, who began his tenure in 2023.
According to its about page, Mount Vernon Nazarene is affiliated with the East Central Educational Region of the Church of the Nazarene and governed by a board of trustees elected by regional districts.
