ST. LOUIS—Women's Volleyball closed out the Hampton Inn Classic in Columbia, Mo. on Saturday, competing against MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) and Taylor University (Ind.).
The Spartans first faced off with Pioneers of MNU, who they swept in Columbia last season. MBU rolled through set one with ease (25-12), but the Pioneers put up a fight in the following two sets. However, the Spartans ultimately proved to be too much, as they continued their winning ways, taking the match in three sets, once again.
The second matchup of the day was another story for Missouri Baptist as the Taylor University Trojans jumped out to a quick lead. It was a tight game, but after three consecutive kills from TU, they claimed set one, 25-21.
Maintaining momentum, the Trojans rolled out to another quick lead. It looked like they would take the second set, as they managed to stay ahead of the Spartans. Down by six (13-7), MBU's front line began to come alive, dishing out kills left and right. Smart plays from the Spartans, on top of errors from Taylor gave MBU set two, evening things out (25-16). The same trend followed into the third set, allowing MBU to take set three, as well (25-9).
The fourth set looked familiar for both squads, finding themselves back where they started. It looked to be anybody's game, once again, as the teams went back and forth. With the Spartans up 25-24,
Rachel Luebbers hit the service line, dishing out an ace, and sealing the deal for MBU (26-24).
With two more victories, the Spartans push their streak to 10 consecutive wins.
Ana Oliveira (.500 hitting percentage),
Mallory Moran (.246 hitting percentage), and
Caterina Cigarini (.385 hitting percentage) all had impressive performances at the net, finishing the day with 28, 26, and 22 kills, respectively. Cigarini also clocked out with nine total blocks. Oliveira and Moran's performances were enough to be recognized among the 14 members of the All-Classic Team.
Rachel Luebbers led the way in the digs category (26 total), with Oliveira close behind at a total of 24. Setters
Aubrey Wilson (36) and
Nicole Bott (31) combined a total of 70 assists for the Spartans.
The Spartans return home in about two weeks, where they'll play host to conference opponents Lyon College (Ark.), and Central Baptist (Ark.). They take on the Scots on Friday, September 14, and the Mustangs on Saturday, September 15.
