ST. LOUIS—The No. 1 ranked Spartans hit the road to continue conference play. They took on the (7) Braves of Ottawa University (Kan.) on Wednesday evening, earning their 16^th consecutive victory.

The first set got off to a slow start as mistakes on both sides kept the score tight (6-6). It was not until errors began to plague the Braves that Missouri Baptist was able to pull away. The Spartans led 21-16 when Ottawa utilized their first timeout. The Braves would regain possession once more, but it would not be enough to catch MBU. Two consecutive service aces from Steven Rodriguez granted the Spartans set one, 25-17.

Missouri Baptist rolled out to a quick lead in set two. The Spartan front line came alive while errors continued to impair the Braves, allowing MBU to cruise to a 10-point lead (18-8). Ottawa attempted to redeem themselves, but a kill from Rodriguez would eventually halt their chances. The Spartans took set two, 25-15.

The third set was quite the opposite for MBU, as mistakes began to impact their chances at another sweep (7-2). The Spartans would regain composure, tying the score at 10 each. That did not last long, however, as the Braves quickly took back the lead and stayed there. They would take the third (25-21), forcing the match into a fourth set.

The teams found themselves tied 11 times in set four alone, as they continued to battle it out. The score was even at 20 when three kills from MBU pushed them just ahead. At 24-22, Miljan Kastratovic hit the service line, dishing out the match-winning ace.

Miljan Kastratovic and Cameron Hibbler each clocked out with a match-leading 15 kills total. Senior Steven Rodriguez followed just behind with 13 total.

Libero Skyler Capllonch put up 14 digs, while setter Jason Harman posted 48 assists.

The Spartans travel to Iowa on Friday to face off with the (RV) Fighting Bees of St. Ambrose University, once again. The Bees are the only opponent to take MBU to a fifth set all season. The highly anticipated match kicks off on March 1 at 7 p.m.