ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist men's volleyball never gained traction in the first game of the NAIA National Championship Invitational against the No. 1 Concordia Eagles. The Spartans were unable to put together much offense in a 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-16) loss in the first day of pool play.

Missouri Baptist (17-7) had an attack percentage of just .135 in the match and committed 20 service errors on the evening, nine more than the Eagles' 11. Concordia, on the other hand, hit .390 in the game and committed just nine attack errors.

MBU's first set was the best as the team posted 19 points, but Concordia controlled the pace of play from the opening serve. MAMVIC West Setter of the Year Rob Esser floated 21 assists over the course of the match, but was responsible for five service errors.

Middle blocker Jordan Pinto was the most effective player for MBU. He finished with an attach percentage of .250 and recorded five kills with one solo block. Danny Traylor chipped-in seven kills and four digs to end the evening

For the Eagles, Brett Anema was definitely among the most effective. Anema recorded five kills in six attacks. Dillon Auxier, however, was the best player on the court. Auxier posted nine kills, nine digs, one solo block and one block assist.

The Spartans will get one more opportunity to secure a spot in the semifinals on Friday when the team will face St. Ambrose University. Match time is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.