ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Baptist University men's volleyball team enters the Heart of America Challenge following a strong showing last week, carrying momentum into a two-day conference tournament split between home action and a road test at UHSP.

The Spartans turned in a productive week, returning home with a 3-0 start to the season. It was highlighted by balanced offensive contributions and steady defensive play. Luka Stepanovic led the attack with consistent production at the net, while Cruse Aea anchored the back row and helped control serve-receive. The team also benefited from efficient setting by Josh Kaemmerer and Axel Griguer. The middle blockers held strong, blocking and offensive efforts to build rhythm early in conference play.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference men's volleyball preseason poll was released today. The Spartans were ranked third, falling short of Park and Missouri Valley. Park is predicted to win the conference championship. 

The Heart of America Challenge opens Friday with matches hosted by Missouri Baptist, before shifting to the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy on Saturday to conclude the tournament. The two-day format will test depth and adaptability, with quick turnarounds and unfamiliar opponents creating a competitive conference atmosphere. 

Opponent Breakdown
Brescia University enters the weekend 1-1 overall. In the Campbellsville University tournament, they fell to St. Thomas University (Fla.) 3-0, but turned around to earn a 3-1 win against Truett McConnell University. They had a hitting percentage of .170 and collected 13 serving aces within the two matches.  

Campbellsville University brings a strong offensive lineup, averaging 15 kills per set and a hitting percentage of .307 in two games. The Tigers enter the week 2-0 after earning wins over Truett McConnell three sets to none and St. Thomas three to two sets.  

LeMoyne-Owen College enters the week 0-0 and will be a wild card for this tournament. Lastly, Saint Ambrose University enters 2-0 after wins over Cumberland University (Tenn.) and Culver-Stockton College. The Fighting Bees have begun to prove a strong defensive presence with 50 digs against Cumberland in a five-set match and 34 digs against CSC in a three-set match. They are also balanced on offense, averaging ten kills per set.

Tournament Schedule
Friday – Location: Petty SRC
• MBU vs. Brescia University (Ky.) – Noon
• MBU vs. Campbellsville University (Ky.) – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday – Location: At UHSP
• MBU vs. LeMoyne-Owen College – 11 a.m.
• MBU vs. Saint Ambrose University (Iowa) – 5 p.m.