Lady Cougars Start 2026 with Road Win at Grace College
WINONA LAKE, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's basketball team (5-10, 1-4 CL) rang in the New Year with a 99-82 road win at Grace College (8-7, 0-5 CL) on Saturday, January 3.
Despite the long layoff since its last game, MVNU came out sharp and showed little signs of rust as it jumped out to a 26-14 lead after the first quarter. The Lady Cougars were highly efficient in the opening frame, shooting 60% from the floor to go with 10 assists. Grace battled back in the second, pulling to within three points at 37-34 with 3:44 remaining in the quarter. A 15-8 run to close the quarter gave MVNU a 52-42 lead at halftime.
In the third, MVNU kept up its strong play, stretching its lead to 75-60 after a Melodie Blubaugh made three with 2:58 left. After three, MVNU remained in control with an 83-68 lead. The Lady Cougars locked down the Lancers in the fourth, holding them to just 30% shooting from the floor, preventing any attempt of a comeback. MVNU won its first Crossroads League game of the season by a final of 99-82. MVNU was on fire offensively as it shot 56% from the field and 39% (9-23) from three. The Lady Cougars found the open woman all game long, finishing the day with 31 assists.
Anna Swisshelm tied her career-high with 28 points on 12-17 shooting from the floor. Lily Shepherd had 25 points on 8-14 shooting from the floor and 5-10 shooting from deep. Shepherd dished out five assists. Angela Roshak had 14 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three blocks, while Blubaugh had 12 points, three assists and two blocks.
What's Next
MVNU will host (RV) Indiana Wesleyan University in Ariel Arena on Wednesday, January 7. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.