ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The TIU Volleyball team put forth a strong effort in their opening match of the year, hanging tough with #3 Missouri Baptist University before suffering a 3-0 (22-25,17-25,18-25) defeat to the Spartans on Tuesday evening.

In the opening set of the game the Lady Trojans kept pace with MBU, never trailing by more than four points. After a Brianna Torres near the end of the set the Trojans would knot the opening game 22-22. Despite the strong efforts from the Trojans, MBU fired back with three straight points of their own to take the opening set.

After a closely contested first game Missouri Baptist continued their strong play throughout the remainder of the match, winning the next two sets 25-17 and 25-18.

"We came out fighting and kept a calm intensity tonight," said Head Coach Luke Ward. "I am incredibly proud of our effort tonight, and we'll keep improving as this team has a very high ceiling."

Torres led the Trojans in kills in her first collegiate match, finishing with 8 on the night. Katelyn Sommers chipped in 18 assists while Penina Sao added 17 digs of her own to round out the Trojans top performers.

TIU will look to pick up their first win of the season when they make the short drive to Arlington Height to play four matches in the Eagle Invite over the weekend.