ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Baptist University men's volleyball team left everything on the floor Tuesday night, battling point-for-point in a thrilling five-set showdown before falling to the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, 3-2.
In a match that featured 52 ties and 23 lead changes, the Spartans (5-4, 7-6) pushed UHSP to the brink before the Eutectics secured the decisive fifth set, 15-12.
Isaac Allgeyer led the charge for MBU with 21 kills on 54 swings, the most attempts he's had this season. He also added 13 digs and four total blocks in a dominant all-around performance. AJ Tufuga finished with eight kills, five total blocks, and two service aces, while Nikos Faoutas added 11 kills and 15 digs. Luka Stepanovic chipped in nine kills, and setter Josh Kaemmerer orchestrated the offense with 29 assists.
As a team, Missouri Baptist totaled 61 kills, 74 digs, and 14 blocks, battling through extended rallies and pressure-packed moments all night long.
From the opening serve, Missouri Baptist fought through a marathon first set, with both teams trading punches down the stretch. After tying the score at 28-28, the Spartans came within two points of stealing the frame before UHSP edged it 30-28.
The Spartans responded immediately in the second set, showcasing their resilience and heart. Missouri Baptist hit .257 in the frame and controlled the tempo early, pulling away for a 25-19 win.
Set three was another back-and-forth battle. Neither side led by more than three points as momentum shifted with nearly every rally. The Spartans fought off multiple runs, but UHSP narrowly claimed the set, 25-23.
With their backs against the wall in the fourth, the Spartans delivered one of their most complete sets of the night. MBU jumped out to a 3-0 start and never trailed, fueled by aggressive serving and disciplined defense. The Spartans held UHSP to a .100 hitting percentage in the set and forced a winner-take-all fifth with a 25-20 victory.
The decisive fifth set captured everything. After falling behind 8-4 at the switch, Missouri Baptist clawed its way back, with kills from Cooper Worley and Allgeyer. Then tying the score at 9-9 and again at 11-11 behind relentless effort and key swings from its senior leaders. The Spartans fought off match point pressure, but UHSP ultimately secured the final two points to close out the 15-12 win
The Spartans will return to action Friday on their home court against Dordt University. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
