The Basics
Score: MNU 0 - Missouri Baptist 3
Record: MNU (10-7, 6-4), Missouri Baptist (19-2, 11-0)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Cook Center
Set Scores: 27-29, 19-25, 9-25

OLATHE, Kan. – MNU pushed #9 Missouri Baptist to the limit in the opening set, but the Spartans remained unbeaten in Heart of America Athletic Conference play with a 3-0 victory over the Pioneers on Thursday.

The Pioneers battled throughout a tightly contested first set, building a 15-12 advantage before Missouri Baptist answered with six consecutive points to take an 18-15 lead.

The Spartans eventually reached set point at 24-20, but MNU rallied behind the serving of Callie Winebarger. A block by Mia Olson and three consecutive Missouri Baptist attack errors fueled a five-point run that gave the Pioneers a 25-24 lead.

MNU had another opportunity to close the set after a Pola Madziewicz kill made it 26-25, and the Pioneers fought off another set point to tie the score at 27. However, Missouri Baptist claimed the final two points for a 29-27 victory.

The second set was tied at 11 before the Spartans scored four consecutive points to take control. MNU remained within striking distance, cutting the deficit to 21-17 following an ace from Anna DeGraffenreid and a Missouri Baptist attack error, but the Spartans closed out the set 25-19.

MNU briefly led 2-1 early in the third set, but Missouri Baptist took a 9-4 advantage. The Pioneers responded with three straight points, including an ace from Malasy Sakounlaphoum and a block by Maja Ludyga, to pull within 9-7.

The Spartans answered with nine consecutive points to extend their lead to 18-7 and eventually completed the sweep with a 25-9 victory.

Mia Olson and Pola Madziewicz led MNU with six kills apiece, while Kennedy Smalley added five. Emily Mathis recorded a match-high 17 digs, and Winebarger contributed 12 assists, six digs, and two aces.

Missouri Baptist held MNU to a negative .026 hitting percentage, recording 11 team blocks compared to four for the Pioneers.

Turning Point
After MNU rallied from a 24-20 deficit to take a 25-24 lead in the opening set, the Pioneers were unable to finish the comeback. Missouri Baptist survived three MNU set points and scored the final two points to win 29-27, taking momentum into the remainder of the match.

Individual Leaders
Mia Olson: 6 kills, 2 blocks
Emily Mathis: 17 digs
Callie Winebarger: 12 assists, 6 digs, 2 aces
Anna DeGraffenreid: 11 assists, 6 digs

Up Next
The next match is Homecoming on Friday at home vs. William Woods at 7:00.