After another successful season under the leadership of Lauren Sanders, the Thunder open their 2025 season at home at the Thunder Invitational this weekend. The Thunder went 27-6 last season, with a perfect 8-0 record in the Midwest Christian College Conference extending their regular season conference win streak to 56 matches. This team is looking to win its 7th straight MCCC Regular Season & Tournament title, along with its 4th straight NCCAA Region title.

The Thunder return a senior-heavy team with the five seniors of Liv Lubbers, Jacey Schurle, Hannah Beukelman, Abby Blake, and Hali Clark. Lubbers racked up many accolades last season as she was the MCCC MVP and 1st Teamer, along with being a NCCAA 1st Team All-American, while making the National Tournament All-Tournament Team. She was second on the team in kills (328) and hit 0.235 from her outside hitter position. Schurle earned multiple awards as well being a 1st Team All-MCCC selection, NCCAA Central Region MVP and 1st Teamer, along with being a NCCAA 1st Team All-American, while making the National Tournament All-Tournament Team. She was led the team in kills (349) and blocks (84), while hitting 0.496 from her middle position. Buekelman was a NCCAA Central Region 2nd Team performer and a NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. She tallied 227 kills, was second on the team in blocks (46), and hit 0.385 from her middle position. Blake was a 2nd Team All-MCCC and a 1st Team All-Region selection. She led the defensive attack with 614 digs and was second on the team in aces (41). Clark is coming off an injury and only played in 13 sets as a junior. She was named a NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. Both Lubbers and Blake played in all 109 sets in 2024. Other returners include, the one junior, Jaiden Brewer, and a group of sophomores, Natalie Jensen, Jayda Juenemann, Jeydan Umberger, Ellie Wilson, and Malloree Matlack. Brewer played in 65 sets as a sophomore and totaled 128 digs. Wilson was named to the 2nd Team All-Region team, while being third on the team in kills (261). Juenemann was third on the team in total blocks (41) in her freshman campaign.

Also, the Thunder add four new players, one transfer and three freshman, to last year's Final Four team. Ellie Suber, a Hutchinson Community College transfer, had 41 service aces, 213 digs, and was second on the team with 453 assists in her single season for the Blue Dragons. A small, yet strong freshman class of Cheyenne Crow, Katie Drake, and Anja VonSpreckelsen round out the Thunder's roster.

Head coach Lauren Sanders, who enters her 21st season coaching at Manhattan Christian College, is excited for 2025, "This season, we’re proud to return five seniors who bring leadership and experience. We’ve added three new setters, one who transferred in from a community college, one that has been with us the last two years as a practice player and one incoming freshman - all three have brought fresh energy and speed to our offense. Our defensive core remains solid, anchored by our All-Conference and All Region libero last year, and on top of that, we’ve added a few promising newcomers to round out our lineup and give us the depth we need to compete week in and week out. This is the largest roster size we've ever had, and it's been exciting to watch them compete in practice these last two weeks. We have a strong schedule with our Conference and Region games, and eight NAIA matches. We feel this will help prepare us for another run at the National Championship. Off the court these student-athletes are dedicated to their academics, strong members of the MCC community and love the Lord. We look forward to watching them grow in their faith and grow as a team over the season!" 

The Thunder open their season at home at the Thunder Invitational on Friday, August 29th and Saturday, August 30th at the Howie's Activity Center (HAC). They will host Dallas Christian College at 3:00PM and Cottey College at 7:00PM on Friday and Sterling College at 1:00PM and Central Christian College (KS) at 5:00PM on Saturday.

Tickets for the 2025 season are available now on the SidelineTix app and website. To purchase tickets, fans can visit www.mccthunder.com and click the "Get Tickets" tab.

How to Follow the Thunder: For complete information and to stay up-to-date with Manhattan Christian College Volleyball, visit www.mccthunder.com and follow the team's social media pages on X and Instagram.