Contributed by Travis Collard

Sports Information Assistant

MARSHALL, Mo. – The Missouri Baptist Men's volleyball team got its first win of the season last night on the road against conference rival Missouri Valley College 3-1 (25-23, 19-25, 25-18, 25-19).

Both teams struggled in the first set while the Vikings held the Spartans to only 12 kills and a .145 hitting percentage as a team. The teams battled back and forth, but the Spartans closed the door on the Vikings with two quick blocks to end the first set 25-23.           

The second set was an entirely different story for MBU. Despite hitting an improved .280 attack percentage as a team, the Spartans struggled defensively in the set allowing Missouri Valley to lead the entire set and eventually win 18-25.

The Spartans looked like an entirely different team after the intermission. They came out firing in the third and fourth set and never looked back. MBU controlled the match and never lost the lead as they dominated the Vikings in nearly every stat category. The Spartans would win the third and fourth sets 25-18 and 25-19.

Junior Robert Esser guided the offense with 41 assists on the night. Senior Danny Traylor led the Spartans in kills with 15 and in digs with 11. The Spartans look to go to 2-0 in the MAMVIC West on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. against conference member Hannibal-LaGrange College.

 Live video can be found at http://www.hlgtrojans.com/schedule/0/7.php