Lamoni, Iowa - The Spartans men's volleyball team, were unable to take down Graceland University in a rematch of two top 10 teams. Missouri Baptist fell in straight sets 21-25, 17-25 and 23-25.
In the first meeting, the Spartans took down the Yellow Jackets in four sets. This time around Missouri Baptist visited Graceland and were able to take an early 6-2 lead. The Yellow Jackets took the advantage for the rest of the set, going on for the 21-25 win.
Graceland was able to dominate the second set, as the Spartans weren't able to keep up. The Yellow Jackets took a two set lead with a 17-25 win. Jonathan Roldan had five kills in the set and Robert Esser added nine assists for MBU.
The Spartans were looking to get back into the matchup with a third set win. Graceland jumped out to an early lead, only to see it cut down by Missouri Baptist who never gave up. The team continued to battle only down 23-24, in hopes of forcing a fourth set. However, the Yellow Jackets got a kill for the final point and the 23-25 match win.
Roldan had 12 kills in the match, six coming in the final set. Robert Esser added 25 assists and Danny Traylor notched eight digs.
The team suffered its first conference loss, but will look to rebound at home against Warner Southern on February 2nd at 2:00 p.m.
