SYLVANIA, OHIO--The No. 3 Missouri Baptist University Men's Volleyball team capped off an undefeated weekend with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20) win over the Gray Wolves of No. 4 Lourdes University at the Lourdes Invitational.
 
After sweeping both matches on Friday, January 19, the Spartans used tough defense to help control the sweep over the Gray Wolves. Sophomore outside hitter Luka Cajic continued to shine for the Spartans as he earned a double-double with 17 kills and 10 digs. Opposite hitter Jack Huizinga followed Cajic with 11 kills, while freshman outside hitter Sam Clifford added eight kills to go along with six digs.
 
Junior Cameron Hibbler played well at the net, finishing with four of the team's 10 total blocks. Senior setter Kyle Foley contributed 37 assists and five digs.
 
Both teams battled it out in the first set. Throughout 16 tied scores, the Spartans gained a two-point lead off of a Huizinga service ace, prompting a Lourdes timeout. Out of the timeout, kills from Cajic and Clifford helped push the Spartans lead to 24-21 before a Lourdes attacking error would give the Spartans the first set win, 25-21.
 
After starting off the second set with an attack error, and giving Lourdes a 1-0 lead, the Spartans got the ball back, and never trailed for the remainder of the set. A three-point service run from Foley gave the Spartans a lead that they would continue to push. With the biggest lead of the set, 21-13, multiple errors from the Gray Wolves allowed the Spartans to take the second set, 25-18.
 
Cajic, Inman, and Huizinga all used long service runs in the third set to help the Spartans take a commanding six-point lead. After a Lourdes service ace, MBU took their first timeout of the set, in an attempt to stop the momentum of the Gray Wolves. Out of the timeout, both teams traded point-for-point; but it would not be enough for Lourdes to mount a comeback as the Spartans won the third and final set, 25-20.
 
Serving proved to be the difference maker for the Spartans as they combined for seven total service aces. Tough blocking from the Spartans caused offensive struggles for the Grey Wolves, as well.
 
Graduate Assistant Coach Michael Polizzi mentioned how this tournament was a good first outing for the young team, "I loved seeing the hard work from a long first semester show up on the court. The guys showed real growth and I think we have a lot of  potential  to continue to grow and be successful throughout the rest of the season."
 
The Spartans look to carry this momentum to next week's matchup. They will travel to Marshall, MO to compete against the Vikings of Missouri Valley. First serve is set for 7 pm.