Tonight marked the first matchup this season between NAIA South rivals, the Spartans of Missouri Baptist and the Pirates of Park University.  The Spartans entered the contest ranked third nationally, while the Pirates hold the fourth spot.  The hosting Pirates took tonight's match in three sets.

In each of the three sets, the Spartans had control at the beginning of the set, but the Pirates came back to pull out wins.  Park took set one 25-22, set two 25-18, and set three 25-21 to close out the match. 

Mico Janicijevic led the Spartan offense with 10 kills.  Clayton Baker added 7 kills.  The Spartans were outplayed on offense, MBU hitting at .149 versus Park's .333.  The Pirates were led by freshman outside hitter, Daniel Arteaga, who finished the night with 19 kills.  On defense, MBU's libero, Danny Gruszczyk, led the team 10 digs.  The Spartans outblocked the Pirates, eight to six and a half. 

The next matchup between these two teams is set for March 18 on MBU's campus.  With the loss, Missouri Baptist falls to 8-2 and 3-1 in conference.  The Pirates improve to 10-2 and 3-0 in conference.  The Spartans return to the court February 18, when they travel to Marshall, Miss. to take on the Vikings of Missouri Valley College.