ST. LOUIS – [Box Score] The 24th ranked team in the country had no problem defeating Warner University today, as the Missouri Baptist women's volleyball team defeated the Royals in three sets, 25-23, 25-12, and 27-25. The Spartans improved to 4-0 on the young season.

"It was a great weekend for us," said head coach Chris Nichols. "We had a solid tournament and all 12 players chipped in. It was great to see where we are as a team, but we still have a lot of work to put in."

Hana Carey and Mallory Dillon were named to the All-Tournament team for their play during the weekend. Carey posted a team-high 39 kills on 72 swings over the four matches, while Dillon had 36 kills on 74 swings. The two combined for 12 blocks during the four victories.

Carey led MBU with 13 kills on 18 swings in the victory. She also posted three block assists. Dillon had nine kills on 25 swings, but did make ten errors. She recorded six kills in the final set to propel the Spartans to the decisive third-set win. Jen Brendel also recorded nine kills in the match. She had a team-high four solo blocks and two block assists. Ally Krus had 38 assists, while Haley Pouliezos posted 24 digs.

"Jen (Brendel) stepped up big for us today," said Nichols. "Nine kills and six blocks is huge. She is only a sophomore, but she is our most experienced middle and we will depend on her a lot this season."

Warner would take a 2-1 lead in the first set, but the hot-hitting Hana Carey and Jen Brendel erased any doubts with back-to-back kills to give the Spartans the lead for good. The Royals would keep the set close, but Missouri Baptist would never look back and would win the set 25-23.

In set two, the navy and white trailed 6-1 before rattling off nine-straight points, forcing a Warner timeout. The Royals would shrink the MBU lead to 12-10, but the Spartans took over the momentum by using a combination of three kills and a service ace to take a 17-10 lead. Missouri Baptist would later score the final four points of the set and take a 2-0 advantage with a 25-12 win.

In the third set, Missouri Baptist would not take its first lead until Taylor Cook's back-to-back service aces would give the Spartans a 9-8 lead. Warner would tie the set at 10-10, but MBU would go on a 7-1 run that would force a Royal timeout. That timeout would give Warner the momentum they would need, as the Royals worked the set to a 25-25 tie. It would take three set points for Missouri Baptist to finally win the game 27-25.

The Spartans will take on Bethel University on Wednesday for the 2014 home opener. First serve is set for 6 pm.