The Thunder volleyball team began their title defense over the weekend at home at the Thunder Invitational. After a 32-1 National Championship season, the Thunder were ready to compete with a new team made up of six true freshman. On Friday night, the season opener would be against NCCAA Southwest Region opponent, the Dallas Christian College Crusaders. The Thunder and the Crusaders would battle back and forth and split the first four sets. In the fifth set, the Thunder would prevail and beat the Crusaders 15-10 in the final set to earn their first victory of the season and extend their win streak to 21 matches dating back to October 18th of last season. One of those true freshman would lead the offense as Jordan Miller had 15 kills and 12 digs in her collegiate debut securing her first career double-double. Fellow freshman, Shaliah Ensley would also have a double-double in here debut with 47 assists and 15 digs. Junior, Ellie Wilson would also have a double-double of her own with 14 kills and 19 digs. Sophomore, Katie Drake would have 13 kills, while hitting a team high 0.455 hitting percentage from the middle position.

On Saturday, the Thunder would have a double-header with the Sterling College Warriors and the Cottey College Comets. In the morning game, the Thunder and Warriors would play to four sets with the Thunder falling 3-1 (25-23, 13-25, 14-25, 16-25) ending their 21-match win streak. The Thunder would come back to win set one, but would not be able to gain any momentum in the final three sets against the Warriors. Miller and Wilson would both have 14 kills a piece in the match and record double-doubles in a second straight game, while senior, Jaiden Brewer would have 24 digs on defense to lead the team. In the afternoon game, the Thunder would earn their first sweep (25-14, 25-19, 25-22) of the season over the Comets. It would be a balanced attack for the Thunder as six players would have at least three kills. The Thunder are now 2-1 to start the 2026 season.

The Thunder will play their next game at home against another NCCAA Southwest Region team, the Randall University Saints, on Friday, September 5th at 5:00PM. The Thunder volleyball team will unveil their 2025 NCCAA Division II National Championship banner before the match.

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.