ST. LOUIS- [BOX SCORE] No. 14 Missouri Baptist Women's Volleyball went to battle against No. 6 Park on Thursday night but fell in a dramatic fourth set (19-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-27). 

With a big home crowd on hand for the NAIA National Game of the Week, nerves may have been a factor early for the Spartans. They fell behind in the opener and played catchup for the majority of the first set. Park finally pulled away to go ahead 1-0.

In the second set, MBU once again fell behind early but this time regrouped. Back-to-back aces from Marion Couraud got the momentum going and the Spartans rode it to a set victory to tie the match. Five kills from Mallory Dillon, including the set clincher, led Missouri Baptist.

The momentum continued into the third set for Mo Bap. They jumped out to a 9-2 lead and clearly had the Pirates rattled. As all the best teams do, however, Park settled down and eventually erased the deficit. MBU led 18-15 but the visitors used an 8-2 run to steal the advantage. Park would go on to take the third set 25-21.

The Pirates were in front for most of the fourth set as well but Missouri Baptist chipped away. The Spartans were finally able to tie it up at 25 but Park took the next two points and the match with it.

Cate Cigarini was the offensive star of the match for the Spartans. The freshman had 12 kills on 25 attacks for a .480 hitting percentage. She added four block assists and four digs as well.

Natalie Gremaud put in one of her best defensive performances of the season, logging her second consecutive match with 23 digs. The senior's hustle and determination on Thursday night showed why she is relied upon as an emotional leader for the Spartans.

Mallory Dillon had 16 kills to lead the Spartans. She completed the double-double with 15 digs.

The defeat brings MBU's record to 25-7. They are 10-1 in AMC conference play.

The Spartans next match will be next Tuesday, November 1. It will be Senior Night as the Trojans of Hannibal-LaGrange, led by former Spartan, Laura King, come to town. Game time is tentatively set for 7:30 pm.