The #2 ranked Thunder volleyball team had a lot on the line on Thursday as they opened Midwest Christian College Conference play. Headed into Thursday, the Thunder had a 66-match regular season conference win streak. Also, head coach, Lauren Sanders was one win away from hitting 500 on her career at Manhattan Christian. The one who were standing in their way: the #5 ranked Emmaus University Eagles. The Eagles would battle with the Thunder as they split the first two sets. The Thunder would take control in the third set winning 25-16. In the fourth set, the Thunder would close out the Eagles and win 25-20 to extend their win streak and get Sanders her 500th career win. Sanders is the second coach in MCC Athletics history to hit 500 wins on her career.

On Friday, another ranked team would enter the friendly confines of the Howie's Activity Center to take on the Thunder and their win streak. The #8 ranked Faith Baptist Bible College Eagles would be opening conference play, while the Thunder would be playing in back-to-back games. The Eagles and Thunder played an entertaining first set as the Thunder would prevail 32-30. The Thunder would go on to sweep the Eagles to being MCCC play 2-0. Double-double machine, Ellie Willson would lead the Thunder offense with 16 kills and record 18 digs on defense. Setter, Shaliah Ensley would also have a double-double with 31 assists and 11 digs. Junior, Jayda Juenemann would chip in with six kills and have a great defensive day at the net with three solo blocks and one block assist. With the two wins, the Thunder extend their conference regular season win streak to 68, sit at 6-1 overall, and 2-0 in MCCC play.

The Thunder will play in another conference game on Tuesday, September 15th at 6:00PM against the Central Bible University Saints at the Howie's Activity Center.

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.