ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Baptist University women's volleyball team will open its inaugural Heart of America Athletic Conference schedule on the road at Graceland University on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m.

The Spartans (8-2) have been dominant early in the season, holding opponents to a .148 hitting percentage while averaging 13.3 kills and 12.4 assists per set. They have accumulated four top-20 wins so far this season and were selected 11th in the country in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches Poll on Wednesday. 

Senior outside hitter Gabi Jakubowska has been the focal point of the offense, totaling 157 kills and averaging 4.76 per set. The reigning NAIA Setter of the Week, Valentina Navarro, has guided the attack with 286 assists, while libero Julia Reis Pereira anchors the defense with 113 digs. Serving has been another strength for Missouri Baptist, where the Spartans average 2.0 aces per set. Mary Potteiger and Navarro have provided consistent pressure at the line, combining for 29 aces through 10 matches.

Graceland (4-7) enters after snapping a four-game losing streak with a five-set win over Haskell University on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The Yellowjackets average 9.05 assists and 11.54 digs per set. Grace Jensen leads the attack with 2.67 kills per set.

Saturday's matchup will be the first meeting between the two programs since 2012, a 3-1 victory for Missouri Baptist. The Spartans are 7-0 all-time against the Jackets. For the full history, click here.

 First serve on Saturday is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Lamoni, Iowa. To watch, click here. For live stats, click here.