BOURBONNAIS, ILL. – Missouri Baptist University men's volleyball opened its season with two straight-set wins on Thursday in Bourbonnais, Illinois, defeating Olivet Nazarene University and Trinity Christian College to start the season at 2-0.

Luka Stepanovic led the Spartans across both matches, finishing the day with 20 kills and a 0.333 hitting percentage. He posted 11 kills against Olivet Nazarene and added nine more against Trinity Christian while contributing defensively with two solo blocks and a block assist.

Game One – Missouri Baptist vs. Olivet Nazarene

MBU opened the day with a 3-0 sweep of Olivet Nazarene, winning by scores of 25-21, 25-21, and 25-19. The Spartans settled in after a tight first set and began to find their rhythm offensively, led by Stepanovic and Johnathan Kreke. Missouri Baptist hit the gas pedal in the third set, pulling away late with consistent serving pressure and strong offensive efforts at the net to close out the match.

Game Two – Missouri Baptist vs. Trinity Christian

The Spartans carried their momentum into the next match, earning another sweep with a 25-14, 25-22, 25-14 victory over Trinity Christian. Missouri Baptist hit .382 as a team. They controlled the match from the service line, recording 13 service aces. Justin McGary contributed a team-high six aces, Axel Griguer trailing behind with four. AJ Tufuga helped pace a balanced offensive effort with seven kills and a .700 hitting percentage as the Spartans pulled away in both the first and third sets.

Missouri Baptist will continue tournament play this weekend and will look to maintain early-season momentum. They will take on the University of Rio Grande (Ohio) on Friday at noon.