St. Louis, Mo. - In a matchup of two top five teams, the #2 ranked Park Pirates defeated #3 ranked Missouri Baptist in four sets, winning 20-25, 25-16, 23-25 and 20-25. 

Park had a definite size advantage over the Spartans. The Pirates jumped out to an 8-11 lead, with plenty of power behind their kills. At the first break, Park held a 14-15 lead, fending off the charging Spartans. However, Park went on to take control winning the first set.

The Spartans came out and dominated the second set, sending a message to the Pirates that they are ranked #3 for a reason. The team grabbed an early 9-8 lead and continued to dominate the rest of the set led by Jonathan Roldan and Gustavo Cintron, evening up the match at 1-1.

The all important third set, started out well for the Pirates. Park started out quick, grabbing a 4-9 lead. The Spartans battled back getting key blocks, tying the score up at 12-12. Roldan continued to have key kills and the team was down just 16-17. The entire match, especially in the third set, the Pirates were led by Fray Luis Fajardo Artega who was a monster all over the court leading Park in kills.

The Spartans continued to battle and Sam Platt got a key block that again tied the score at 21-21. A Robert Esser kill gave the Spartans a 23-22 lead, in hopes of gaining a one game advantage. However, Park fought back winning the third set.

In the fourth set, the Spartans dug themselves a hole, being down 5-11 as Park was looking to end it quick. Paul Bilanzic and Rob Cordero kept the Spartans from getting back into the match with multiple blocks. MBU tried to fight back but fell short losing the match in four sets. 

The teams' record falls to 10-6 on the year, but will look to rebound against #4 ranked Missouri Valley College tomorrow at 7:00 p.m.