ST. LOUIS, Mo.— The No. 10 Missouri Baptist women's volleyball team extended its nine-game winning streak Friday night, sweeping Clarke University, 3-0.
The Spartan bench ran deep, as nearly every player on the roster saw the court.
Sophomore
Caroline Tomlinson recorded a career-high six kills, while juniors
Alohilani Bursey and
Ashlynn Hughes led all players with eight kills apiece.
Reigning Heart Setter of the Week
Martina Ligabue also recorded a season-high four kills while dishing out 37 assists.
The Spartans came out strong, as Hughes, Bursey, Tomlinson and right-side
Herdie Castillo were relentless on the attack, forcing Clarke to call two timeouts in the first set.
After two kills from freshman middle
Emma Hlavsa, MBU secured Set 1, 25-16.
The Pride found momentum late in the second set, going on a 7-0 run to gain their first lead of the night. After four attack errors and two unreturned serves, Head Coach
Claire Ochs called the first MBU timeout.
Senior libero
Julia Reis Pereira stabilized the back line of defense, allowing the Spartan attack to regain control.
After reaching set point at 26-25, Clarke attempted to ice defensive specialist
Mary Potteiger, but the effort was unsuccessful as MBU closed out the set, 27-25.
The Spartans returned to familiar form in the third set, as freshman
Katie Hunt sparked a 10-point service run to give her team a 13-2 lead.
Outside hitter
Isabella Munari also fueled the offense with three early kills and a series of serves to give the Spartans another 5-0 run.
MBU closed out the set, 25-12, to secure the 3-0 sweep.
The Spartans led the game in all categories, finishing with 55 points, 44 kills, six aces, five blocks, 43 assists and 46 digs.
Next: The No. 10 Spartans move to 16-2 (8-0) on the season and return Saturday to face Mount Mercy University at 1 p.m.
