ST. LOUIS—The No. 3 ranked Missouri Baptist Women's Volleyball team traveled to Springfield, Mo. on Thursday to compete in Evangel's Tipoff Classic, with their first opponent being the No. 11 ranked Warriors of Midland University (Neb.). After pushing the game to a fourth set, the Spartans fell just short of a comeback.

The match started off on a promising note with an immediate service ace from Rachel Luebbers, followed by a kill from Caterina Cigarini. However, errors began to plague the Spartans, giving Midland a six-point advantage. It was from there that they managed to maintain a comfortable lead, taking set one, 25-18.

The Spartans regrouped for set two, giving the Warriors a run for their money. The teams traded points back and forth throughout, until errors began to cost MBU. A kill from Cigarini gave the Spartans possession at 23-21, but two consecutive kills from Midland ultimately gave them set two, 25-21.

The third set started much like the previous, until a kill from Brilee Henson sparked a six-point run for the Spartans (12-6). As Midland began to struggle, MBU used smart plays to stay ahead. At 24-20, a kill from Mallory Moran pushed the match to a fourth set.

The fourth set followed suit, once again, as the teams battled it out. After more back and forth play, an attack error from the Warriors put MBU at set point (24-23). However, the tables quickly turned as two Spartan errors then put Midland at set point (25-24). The game was tied at 29 apiece when Midland regained possession, halting the Spartan comeback. MoBap fell in set four, 31-29.

Ana Oliveira led the match in kills with a total of 15. The outside hitter also clocked in 14 digs, three assisted blocks, and one service ace.

On the back line, libero Rachel Luebbers led the match with 18 digs, while setter Megan Huffman finished the match with 27 total assists.

The Spartans continue play in Springfield on Friday, August 17. They will take on tournament host Evangel at noon, and the No. 4 ranked Viterbo (Wis.) V-Hawks at 2:30 pm.