ST. LOUIS—The No. 8 ranked Women's Volleyball team played host to (RV) the Braves of Ottawa University (Kan.) on Friday afternoon. After an intense few sets, the Spartans came out on top with a four-set win.

The first set began as most expected, with the teams trading points back and forth. Within 48 rallies, there were 10 total ties. At 17-16, a service error from MBU sparked a four-point run for the Braves (21-16). Ottawa eventually found themselves at game point (24-21), but a kill from Maggie Sorensen put the Spartans back in the game. However, it was to no avail as another service error cost the Spartans set one, 25-23.

Set two proved to be a change of pace, as MBU quickly rolled to a hefty lead. A combination of Brave errors and 12 kills from Missouri Baptist helped give them set two, 25-8.
The Spartans jumped out to another comfortable lead in set three (9-2). Missouri Baptist maintained the lead throughout, but Ottawa seemed to be regaining momentum. At 17-22, a kill from Ottawa's Jimenez gave them a fighting chance, however, a couple of errors would end up costing them the set. After a kill from Aubrey Wilson, the Spartans came out with the third set win, 25-18.

Set four nearly mirrored the first as each team hit the court giving their all. MBU trailed by one (8-7) when multiple errors allowed the Braves to push their lead even further. At 14-7, an Ottawa error gave the Spartans back possession, allowing sophomore Samantha Kurm to hit the service line, eventually tying things up at 15 apiece. From there, it was clearly anybody's game.

It appeared the game would go to five sets, as another service error from MBU granted Ottawa set point (24-22). However, a powerhouse kill from Mallory Moran put Sam Kurm back at the service line, allowing MBU to slide past the Braves, taking the match in four sets (26-24).

Outside hitter Mallory Moran led the match in kills with a total of 17. Opposite Aubrey Wilson followed closely behind, finishing with 13 kills on a .400 hitting percentage.

On the defensive end, Rachel Luebbers led in the digs category with 22. Maggie Sorensen clocked out with 13, as well as three block assists. Senior Megan Huffman had a solid performance, contributing 11 digs and handing out 37 assists.

The Spartans host reigning National Champions, Lindsey Wilson College on Saturday. The highly anticipated match begins at 1 p.m. in the Petty SRC.