The Spartans continued play this weekend in the Johnson & Wales Invitational in Denver, Colo.  The Spartans faced Cincinnati Christian University, Grand View University, and University of California-Merced to wrap up their weekend.

Friday the Spartans picked up two wins. In the first match, MBU faced Cincinnati Christian University. The Spartans defeated CCU 3-0. Missouri Baptist's second match on Friday was the NAIA Game of the Week. The No. 4 Spartans took on the No. 2 Vikings of Grand View University.  The Spartans fought hard in three very close sets, but ultimately the Vikings won the match 3-0 (29-31, 26-28, 23-25.)  Clayton Baker led the Spartan offense with nine kills, while Danny Gruszczyk led the defense with eight digs.  Missouri Baptist out blocked Grandview 10.5 blocks to 10. 

Today, the Spartans played their last match of the Invitational against the University of California-Merced.  MBU won the match 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-18.) Baker again led the Spartan offense with 16 kills, with an impressive attacking percentage of .565.  Gruszczyk added 15 digs in today's match. Setter Rob Esser averaged 11 assists per set, contributing 33 total. 

After this weekend's play, Missouri Baptist improves to 19-6.  The Spartans travel back to St. Louis to prepare for a busy week.  They will open with a home match on Tuesday, versus No. 2 Park.  The following night the MBU will be on the road to face the Hawks of Quincy University.  To wrap up regular season play, Thursday the Spartans will host the University of Lindenwood-Belleville.  Thursday night's match will be senior night, where six Spartans will be honored: Rob Esser, Travis Collard, Timmy Duong, Clayton Baker, Jordan Pinto, and Danny Gruszczyk.