Slow Start Leads to Defeat for Women’s Basketball at No. 18 SAU

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's basketball team (6-16, 2-10 CL) competed at the No. 18 Lady Cougars of Spring Arbor University (18-4, 9-3 CL) in Spring Arbor, Michigan on Saturday, January 31.   

Spring Arbor opened the Crossroads League tilt with an 18-0 run. Melodie Blubaugh put MVNU on the board after a three off an assist from Kylie Leibacher. Spring Arbor continued its stretch of dominance through the first half of the game, going into halftime leading by a score of 42-11. Spring Arbor continued to grow its lead in the second half of the game and would go on to win 75-35. 

Blubaugh had nine points and added three rebounds, two steals, and one assist for the Lady Cougars. Leibacher added seven points and four rebounds. Lily Shepherd and Anna Swisshelm each scored six points. 

MVNU shot 24.6% from the field and 20% from three. MVNU had 23 turnovers which turned into 21 points for SAU. 

What's Next 

The Lady Cougars will continue their road stretch as they travel to No. 5 Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana on Wednesday, February 4 at 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.