ST. LOUIS—The Spartans of Missouri Baptist University hosted the Columbia College Cougars on Thursday in the American Midwest Conference Game of the Week. In the decisive fifth set, the No. 5 ranked Spartans prevailed, giving the No. 3 ranked Cougars their first loss since Sept. 1. This major victory leaves MBU undefeated in the AMC, with an overall record of 21-2.

The two Top 5 teams immediately went point for point in set one, proving it was anybody's game. The Spartans eventually led by two (16-14), until two consecutive errors and a Cougar kill put Columbia ahead, prompting a timeout from MBU's Chris Nichols. After more traded possession, kills from Caterina Cigarini and Mallory Moran would tie things up (20-20), forcing Columbia to take a timeout, as well. Another kill from Moran, combined with a service ace from Nicole Bott gave MBU set one, 25-20.

The Spartans seemed to lack energy heading into set two, as Columbia took the lead right out of the gate. The Cougars used it to their advantage, quickly rolling to a 25-13 second set win.

MBU regrouped for set three, as the teams found themselves battling it out, once again. Tied at 23 apiece, an attack error put CC at set point (24-23), but a kill from Cigarini gave the Spartans a fighting chance (24-24). Another kill from the National Attacker of the Week, as well as Maggie Sorensen gave MBU the third set, 27-25.

The fourth was another slow one for the Spartans, as the Cougars took a quick lead. This time around, MBU managed to stay right on their tail, however, it was to no avail. The Cougars would push the match to a tiebreaking set (25-21).

The final set was nothing short of a thriller, as the teams found themselves tied nine times in set five alone. Tied at 9-9, a kill from Moran, followed by a service ace from Rachel Luebbers prompted a late timeout from Columbia (11-9). The Spartans were not phased, however, as the front line would go on to dish out four consecutive kills, giving them their first match win over Columbia in nearly two years.

It was an exceptional effort for Missouri Baptist all around, with Mallory Moran leading in the kills category (19). Maggie Sorensen finished close behind with a total of 16 kills, as well as 13 digs and one solo block. Caterina Cigarini continued to impress up front, as well, clocking out with 15 kills and five blocks (one solo).

Libero Rachel Luebbers led the defensive effort with 23 digs, while setter Megan Huffman finished the evening with 48 total assists.

The Spartans look to push their win streak to 21 when they host St. Mary-of-the-Woods (Ind.). Game time is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9 at the Petty SRC.