ST. LOUIS- Tonight the men's volleyball team traveled to Hannibal to take on the Trojans of Hannibal La-Grange for the second time this season. In the previous meeting, the Spartans defeated the Trojans 3-0. MBU defeated Hannibal 3-1.
The Spartans started the match strong with a first set victory. MBU defeated the Trojans 25-20. The Spartan middle blockers came up big for the Spartans. Shane Welch added four kills while Jordan Pinto added three.
Early in the second set, MBU took control of the game, once again. MBU defeated Hannibal in convincing fashion, with a 25-17 victory. In for the Spartans after sitting the first set, was junior middle blocker, Kevin Knight. Knight added two kills on two swings, along with a block. The Spartans looked to finish the match in the third set, but the Trojans had a different vision.
Missouri Baptist started out the third set similar to the previous two sets. The Spartans had a decent lead on the Trojans. However, as the Spartans neared the end of the set, they allowed Hannibal to gain control of set. MBU lost set three 24-26.
After the unexpected fourth set loss, Hannibal gained momentum and played a tight set with the Spartans. It was tied all the way through 17. MBU pulled ahead with a three point run, forcing the Trojans to call a timeout at 20-17. Missouri Baptist added a few more points to their lead, which made for the Spartan's match point at 24-20. Following a Spartan service error and a block by the Trojans, Spartan head coach John Yehling was forced to call a timeout. The Spartans returned to the court to close out the match with a 25-23 victory.
Shane Welch led the way for MBU, contributing 10 kills, two solo blocks, one assisted block, and an ace. Also coming up big offensively for the Spartans were Mico Janicijevic, Jordan Pinto, and Sean Benedict, each adding 7 kills of their own. Robert Esser ran the offense, ending the night with 44 assists. David Manganiello led the Trojans with 11 kills.
The Spartans improve to 7-1 and 3-0 in conference play with tonight's victory. The Trojans fall to 2-9, 0-4 in conference play. The next contest for the Spartans is set for tomorrow, Tuesday night, against Lindenwood University-Belleville. The contest will be held at Missouri Baptist's Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. This game will be a BLUE OUT. In the previous meeting between the Spartans and Lynx, MBU defeated Lindenwood University-Belleville 3-0.
