On February 13, the Mount Vernon Nazarene University men’s volleyball team defeated Cornerstone University in a four-set match at Ariel Arena. The Cougars improved their record to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in conference play, surpassing their win total from the previous season.
The match began evenly, with both teams tied at 6-6 and later at 17-17 in the first set. After trailing by one point, Mount Vernon Nazarene scored three consecutive points and secured the set 25-21. Cornerstone responded by winning the second set 25-20. The Cougars then took control, hitting .303 in the third set for a 25-19 win and finishing strong with a .500 hitting percentage in the fourth set to close out the match 25-16.
Freshman Tommy Tierney led Mount Vernon Nazarene with a match-high 17 kills while hitting .452 and collecting 12 digs. Ethan Cline contributed 11 kills and five blocks, Xander Devault added 10 kills and eight digs, Elisha Thao recorded a match-high 15 digs, and Jaxson Snell directed the offense with a match-high 46 assists along with six digs. According to MVNU Athletics, "With the four-set win over Cornerstone, the Cougars surpassed their win total from the 2025 season."
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private Christian teaching university serving traditional students, graduate students, and working adults on its main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio. The university emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. It offers education to nearly 2,200 students from multiple states and countries. According to its official about page, Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a member of the Crossroads League and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
According to its mission page, Mount Vernon Nazarene University emphasizes community service and global outreach through programs rooted in 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.
According to its history page, facilities include R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium and Center for Student Success. The university has been led by presidents including Dr. Carson Castleman since 2023.
According to its about page, Mount Vernon Nazarene University is affiliated with the East Central Educational Region of the Church of the Nazarene, governed by a board of trustees elected by regional districts.
The Cougars will next travel to Rochester Hills, Michigan to face Rochester Christian University on February 20 at 7:00 p.m.
