ST. LOUIS -- [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist used momentum from a close set one win to take down Briar Cliff 3-0 in straight sets (25-23, 25-21, 25-17).
The Spartans (4-1, 2-1) widened their margin of victory in each set against the Chargers (1-2, 1-2), who entered the game fresh off a sweep of Lindenwood-Belleville. Mico Janicijevic led the MBU attack with a game-high 14 kills.
MBU led 14-11 midway through set one, but Briar Cliff continued to inch closer. The Chargers eventually tied the game at 19-19 and took a 21-19 lead after a kill from David Barrett. The deficit proved time for the Spartans to rely on their senior Serbian outside. Janicijevic recorded three kills from that point on to help MBU escape with a 25-23 win. A Janicijevic kill gave MBU its 24th point and point 25 came after an attack error from the opposition.
The Spartans hit a set-low .200 in set two. Despite the low hitting percentage, MBU held on to win 25-21 behind two late rallies. With Janicijevic at the service line, MBU turned a 16-16 game to a 21-16 lead. Donald Fleming and Kyle Foley registered kills during the stretch. Briar Cliff fought back to draw within 22-21, but the final three points went the Spartans way.
MBU hit .483 (15-for-29) in its dominant third set. Luka Cajic entered the lineup and proved to be a big addition. The freshman finished with six kills in set three on just eight swings. This set also started out close at 11-11 until a big Spartan rally. A 7-0 run ended with MBU ahead 17-11 and the Chargers never recovered. Janicijevic ended the match with his 14th kill to give MBU its fourth consecutive sweep.
Cameron Hibbler finished with eight kills on 11 swings and Drew Iliff had six. Foley finished the day with 39 assists, two kills and two aces. Robert Hall led MBU with 10 digs. MBU competes at the Grand View Tournament in Iowa next Friday and Saturday.Â
