PORTLAND, Ore. – In their final home match of the season, the Multnomah University volleyball team kept things interesting in a 3-1 (25-19,25-23,24-26,25-23) win over New Hope Christian College on Tuesday night.
 
The win marks the third victory MU has had over the Deacons this season, as they Lions improve to 3-19 on the year.
 
The Lions had their best hitting percentage of the night in the opening set, recording .176 on their way to a six point victory in set one. Outside hitter Patty Batoon ended the night with the best attack percentage at .229, on her way to 13 kills.
 
Junior libero Kiana Miller had a career night in the back row for MU coming up with 27 digs to lead the team and keep the Lions ahead.
 
With the Deacons ahead by 22-20 in set two, freshman Miranda Halverson recorded two of her team high 15 kills as the Lions used a 5-1 run to steal a 2-0 lead.
 
New Hope Christian avoided their second consecutive sweep by the Lions, using an 8-2 run in the third set before scoring three of the last four points to win 26-24.
 
Deacons' libero Alicia Hatzel tallied a game high 49 digs in attempt to keep her team alive in the match. Leading the attack for New Hope was Vika Naulu with 11 kills.
 
Orchestrating one of her best performances in the setter position, freshman Marissa Rhodes totaled 32 assists on the night, inching her way closer to the 500-mark in assists on the year.
 
"Halverson had a great night for us both offensively and defensively, and Rhodes did a great job, said head coach Jenna Bouey. "Miller had a stellar performance tonight as well and it feels good to get the win."
 
With the game tied 22-22, the Lions fought off a fifth set, scoring four of the last five points in the match to win 3-1, completing the season sweep of the Deacons.
 
The Lions will have their final two games of the year on the road this weekend as they travel to Northwest of Friday, before finishing out the year on Saturday against The Evergreen State College.