ST. LOUIS—Men's volleyball hit the road on Friday to go head to head with the Missouri Valley Vikings. The Spartans rolled to their second sweep over MVC this season, advancing to an overall record of 24-0.
The match started off as a game of back and forth until a few mistakes from MoVal put MBU slightly ahead (10-6). Their lead did not last long, however, as errors began to cost them, putting the Vikings within one (13-12). Missouri Valley kept pace for the remainder of the set, but the Spartan front line proved to be too much. A kill from
Steven Rodriguez gave MBU set one, 25-19.
The teams immediately went point for point in set two. Tied at 3-3, Missouri Baptist began to push past the Vikings defense, once again, putting down several kills (10-6). The Spartans led by six when Missouri Valley called for a timeout (16-10). The Vikings had a few chances but ultimately came up short. Errors would cost them set two, giving MBU a 2-0 lead (25-14).
The Spartans rolled out to a quick led in set one, thanks to kills from
Miljan Kastratovic and three consecutive service aces from
Luka Cajic (5-2). Spartan errors, however, quickly evened things back out (5-5). Missouri Baptist managed to stay just ahead throughout, eventually prompting another timeout from MVC (22-18). Out of the break, the Vikings came alive, dishing out three consecutive kills, putting them within reach (22-21). From there, Spartan errors would keep the Vikings in the game. The score was tied at 26 apiece when a kill from
Luka Cajic followed by a kill from
Steven Rodriguez sealed the deal. MBU slid past the Vikings, 28-26.
Middle blocker
Cameron Hibbler had a notable performance, clocking out with three blocks and 11 kills (.533 attack percentage).
Libero
Skyler Capllonch led the match in digs with 13, and setter
Jason Harman put up 35 total assists.
The No. 1 Spartans return to the Petty SRC for their last home game of the season on Wednesday, March 27. The team will honor this year's departing seniors before the 6 o'clock matchup against the No. 7 Ottawa (Kan.) Braves.
