ST. LOUIS—[BOX SCORE] The No. 13 Spartans finished up pool play on Thursday, November 30, taking on the No. 4 Dordt College Defenders (Iowa). It was a well-fought battle, and Missouri Baptist managed to edge past Dordt in five sets.

Momentum ran high as this matchup began. Much like last match, it was another game of back and forth. MBU and Dordt were on even playing grounds throughout, and split the first four sets, with Dordt taking sets one and three, and Missouri Baptist taking two and four. This forced the game to a tie-breaking fifth set.

It was expected that the Defenders would take this match with ease, and claim the top spot in Pool D, but the Spartans were not ready to go down without a fight. The fifth set proved to be anybody's game as possession continuously moved between both teams. Dordt was up by just one point when Marion Couraud unleashed a kill, giving the Spartans back control. From there it was smooth sailing as the Spartans took the final set, going undefeated in pool play.

Couraud led the match with a total of 24 kills. Middle blocker Cate Cigarini came in next for the Spartans with 14 kills total. The sophomore also contributed five digs, three blocks, and three service aces.

Once again, libero Rachel Luebbers led things in the back row with a total of 19 digs.

The Spartans kick off First Round play on Friday, December 1. They take on Montana Tech at 11:15 am.