ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Baptist University men's volleyball team returns to action this week with three matches on the schedule, beginning with an away contest Tuesday at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy before returning home for a pair of weekend matchups on Friday and Saturday.
Luka Stepanovic and Isaac Allgeyer continue to pace the Spartans' offense, leading the team in kills while providing a steady presence on the pins. Defensively, Cruse Aea has anchored the back row, averaging nearly three digs per set and helping stabilize serve receive.
Setters Josh Kaemmerer and Axel Griguer have directed the offense efficiently, combining for nearly 300 assists so far this season. In the middle, Jonathan Kreke has been a key two-way contributor, posting a strong hitting percentage while also making his presence felt at the net with strong blocks. AJ Tufuga, also in the middle, has contributed offensively, averaging 1.77 kills per set.
Opponent Breakdown
Missouri Baptist opens the week on Tuesday at UHSP. The Eutectics come into this week 5-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Averaging 11.93 kills per set and 11.10 digs per set, UHSP emphasizes ball control and strong offense. Junior Grant Hoover leads the Eutectics with 119 kills this season, averaging 3.97 kills per set. Libero Xavier Gamayo holds the defense down with 2.21 digs per set and 64 total digs this season. Â
On Friday, the Spartans are scheduled to host Dordt University. The Defenders come in at 9-4 overall and 1-2 in conference. They bring a physical presence at the net and have shown the ability to score in bunches behind a high-powered attack averaging 12.21 kills per set as a team. On the defensive side, libero Colt Schmidt is averaging 4.16 digs per set and receiving with a .962 percentage. Â
MBU wraps up the week on Saturday against Morningside University. The Mustangs enter the matchup with a 13-2 overall record and 2-1 in conference. They have a reputation for aggressive serving and quick offensive tempo, with 1.07 aces per set and 12.83 kills per set. Morningside's ability to pressure opponents from the service line will be a focal point as the Spartans look to control the pace and finish a demanding three-match stretch on a strong note.
Weekly Match Schedule
Tuesday – Location: UHSP Recreation and Student Center
• MBU at UHSP – 7 p.m.
Friday – Location: Carl & Deloris Petty SRC
• MBU vs. Dordt – 7 p.m.
Saturday – Location: Carl & Deloris Petty SRC
• MBU vs. Morningside – 1 p.m.
