ST. LOUIS—The Spartans closed out pool play on Thursday night, facing off with 2018 NAIA National Invitational Champion, Grand View University (Iowa). Both teams battled it out, but Missouri Baptist ultimately came out on top, taking the match in four sets.
Jack Huizinga hit the service line to start set one. After two service aces and two Viking errors, GVU called for an early timeout (4-0). The quick head start played to the Spartans advantage, as they'd manage to stay ahead for the rest of the set. MBU led by eight (17-9) when Grand View called for their second timeout. A handful of Spartan errors kept the Vikings alive, but it did not last long, as mistakes from GVU would give MBU set one, 25-16.
The Vikings gained some momentum heading into set two, as the teams went point for point. The score was tied eleven separate times before the Vikings eventually pulled away. A kill from Grand View's Chapman gave them set two, 25-23.
Set three mirrored the previous, as the teams continued to trade possession back and forth. The Vikings stayed a couple of points ahead until late errors would allow the Spartans to tie the score at 21 apiece. A kill from senior
Steven Rodriguez would eventually give MBU the third, 25-23.
Grand View held the lead all through set four until two service aces from
Miljan Kastratovic tied the score, then put them ahead (13-21), prompting a GVU timeout. Out of the break, a kill from
Cameron Hibbler and another ace from Kastratovic extended their lead further (15-12). The Vikings would tie the score, yet again (17-17), but it was to no avail. With MBU at set point (22-24), an error from GVU would cost them the match.
Middle blocker
Cameron Hibbler had a remarkable performance at the net, recording 13 kills on 16 attacks, with zero errors (.813 attack percentage). The senior also led the match in blocks with seven total.
Junior
Jack Huizinga earned five total service aces, while Kastratovic followed just behind with four.
This victory advances MBU's season record to 31-0. Taking first place in Pool B pairs the Spartans with Pool A's, Aquinas College (Mich.) for the National Championship Semifinal match. The teams will go head to head at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 19.
