Columbia, MO- The MBU Spartans started off well by winning their first game over Bethel College on Saturday, but received their first loss of the season after a tough game against the University of Texas at Brownsville. 

After MBU won their first two matches yesterday they took on Bethel University in the first game of the day.  After taking two of the first three games from Bethel 25-11,22-25 and 25-19.  Bethel was able to fight back and take game four and win 25-23. 

 

The crucial fifth game was won by the Spartans by the score of 15-7.  Lauren Stuckel had a great day on the offensive side of the ball with 53 assists.  Molly DeClue had a big stat line for the MBU Spartans with 12 kills, 11 digs and 1 ace and after a strong day yesterday Tracey Abell kept the momentum going with 27 digs to help the team. 

 

In the second game, the Spartans had another tough test against the University of Texas at Brownsville. But after a tough 5 game match before the Spartans came up short losing the first two games out of the gate 17-25 and 20-25. 

 
The team kept fighting though and won the second game 25-23 but fell short in the fourth game losing 20-25.  Tracey Abell kept her strong day on defensive side going with 24 digs and on the offensive side Casey Chernin had 13 kills, 2 blocks and 1 ace. 
 
The Spartans move to 8-1 on the year and look to keep their strong record and play going against Lindenwood University on September 7th, at 7:00 p.m
 
After the tournament was over a 12 member all classic squad was recognized.  Two of MBU's own Lauren Stuckel and Casey Chernin were named to the squad for their outstanding performance and helping the Spartans to win three out of the four games they played in the tournament.