ST. LOUIS—It was an intense matchup at the Petty SRC on Wednesday evening, as the No. 2 ranked Spartans hosted the No. 3 ranked Pirates of Park University (Mo.). After a hiccup in set two, Missouri Baptist would come back to take the match in four sets, granting Park their first loss of 2019.

The match began as most predicted, as MBU and Park went point for point throughout. The teams found themselves tied 15 times in set one alone. At 19-19, a kill from Miljan Kastratovic gave MBU possession. Senior Cameron Hibbler managed four consecutive kills following that, putting MBU ahead, 23-20. Two Spartan errors and a service ace from Park would eventually put them within one (24-23), prompting MBU's first timeout. Out of the break, Steven Rodriguez sealed the deal with a kill, giving MBU set one, 25-23.

Set two was another game of back and forth. However, MBU visibly lacked momentum this time around, allowing Park to stay ahead. Spartan errors would ultimately grant Park the second set, 25-17.

Missouri Baptist found their groove heading into set three. While it was still anyone's game, the Spartans managed a big enough lead to force a timeout from Park Head Coach Mike Talamantes. From there, the Pirates would gain on MBU, eventually tying the score at 12 each. Each side dished out their fair share of mistakes, keeping the score tight. The Spartans eventually slid past the Pirates, taking set three, 25-21.

The Spartans took an early lead in the fourth set as they maintained the lead for the majority. Park utilized both timeouts early on as MBU continued to stay a few steps ahead. A kill from Luka Cajic put MBU at match-point (24-20), but a service error from Kastratovic gave Park one last chance. However, it was to no avail as an attack error would cost them, allowing the Spartans to take the match in four sets (25-21).

Outside hitter Steven Rodriguez led the evening in the kills category, clocking out at 14 total. Cameron Hibbler and Luka Cajic trailed just behind, finishing with 12 and 11, respectively.

Libero Skyler Capllonch put up an impressive 17 digs, while setter Jason Harman handed out 39 assists.

The Spartans return to action on Friday, February 22. They will host a tri-match between themselves, Lincoln College (Ill.) and (8) St. Ambrose University (Iowa). Missouri Baptist will take on the Lynx at 3:00 p.m. and the Bees at 7:00 p.m.