ST. LOUIS – The Spartan men's volleyball team picked up its first win of the season against NAIA opponent, Lindenwood University-Belleville, with a 3-0 victory (25-13, 25-15, 25-15) on Thursday evening.
In the first set, the Spartans were led by the solid play of Clayton Baker. The senior had a .667 attack percentage with four kills on six swings, along with a team-leading four digs. Mico Janicijevic was another offensive threat for the Spartans. The freshman outside hitter ended the set with an attacking percentage of .750.
In the second set the Spartans had a few different players on the court, but the same results. The Spartans looked to Sean Benedict to be a major contributor. The freshman led the way with five kills and an attack percentage of 1.000.
The third set was no different for the Spartans with another convincing win. Sophomore Josh Comer led the way with three kills on six swings, along with three digs. Shane Welch, a junior transfer from the University of Hawaii, also contributed with four kills on eight swings.
The Spartans finished the night hitting 50 percent overall. Senior Robert Esser and sophomore Andrew Douglas combined for 18 assists. The team compiled 27 digs in the 3-0 victory. Ethan Bohnert led the Lynx attack with six kills, but the team still ended with an attack percentage of -.102. The Spartans had eight blocks over the Lynx's two.
With tonight's victory, the Spartans start the season 1-0. They will look improve to 2-0 at the first home match of the season on Tuesday, January 21 against the Trojans of Hannibal-LaGrange. First serve is set 7:00PM at the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex.
