SIOUX CITY, IOWA—Women's Volleyball kicked off pool play at the 2018 NAIA National Tournament on Tuesday afternoon. They faced off with the Trolls of Trinity Christian College (Ill.), defeating them in three sets.

The first set began with a couple of Spartan errors, but they quickly recuperated, taking a quick six-point lead (11-5). Missouri Baptist maintained the lead until the Trolls began dishing out kill after kill, tying things up at 17 apiece. After a few rallies, the score was tied at 20-20 when a kill from Ana Oliveira put Kasia Kaiser back at the service line. After four serves from Kaiser, Oliveira dished out another kill to claim set one for MBU (25-20).  

Missouri Baptist carried over momentum heading into set two as they rolled out to another quick lead. However, the Trolls fired back once again, tying the score at 11-11. A kill from Maggie Sorensen gave MBU possession, and from there they cruised through the remainder of the set. They went on to take set two, 25-13.

The Trolls hit the court with adrenaline running high in set three, hoping to push the match to a fourth set. The teams found themselves tied 10 different times in the third set as they continued to battle it out. With the score at 18-18, a kill from Aubrey Wilson gave MBU the advantage (19-18). Shortly after, a service ace from Maggie Sorensen prompted a TCC timeout (23-20). A Spartan error gave the Trolls a fighting chance (24-21), however, it was to no avail. A kill from Mallory Moran sealed the sweep for MBU (25-21).

Caterina Cigarini and Ana Oliveira led the match in kills with 10 each. They each played a key role in the defensive effort, as well, with Cigarini putting up six blocks (two solo), and Oliveira earning 10 digs.

The Spartans continue National Championship pool play in Sioux City on Wednesday morning, where they will face the Ottawa University Braves (Kan.) for the second time this season. First serve is set for 10 a.m.