ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Spalding volleyball split a St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) tri-match on the road Saturday with a 3-0 win over Mississippi University for Women and a 3-0 setback to host Fontbonne University.

The Golden Eagles moved to 5-9 overall and 2-3 in the SLIAC after the Saturday split. The Owls fell to 2-8, while the Griffins sit at 8-5 after the sweep.

M1: SU vs. Mississippi University for Women
Jayda Branch grabbed Spalding their first point of the day with a kill, assisted by Halle Calbert. After an exchange of points, SU took a 6-4 lead with 3 straight kills by Jordyn Sarver. The back and forth continued, but Sarver's streak gave the Golden Eagles momentum to win the set 25-17.

Spalding jumped out to a 6-2 advantage in the second frame. Two service aces by Calbert contributed to this lead. The Owls kept it close, tying it at 7-7. For the rest of the set, it was all SU. The Golden Eagles went on a 6-0 run to give them a 20-11 lead. Spalding closed the set, winning it 25-21.

Three early mistakes by MUW gave the Golden Eagles a 3-0 start to the third set. SU never gave up the lead in this set despite an early push from the Owls. Two kills each by Sarver and Drea White gave SU some cushion. The Golden Eagles kept attacking, but MUW did not have an answer. Spalding used this to fuel themselves to a comfortable 25-18 victory. 

M2: SU vs. Fontbonne
Spalding took on the host, Fontbonne, in the second match of the day. The Golden Eagles fell to an early 4-0 start to the Griffins. The home team used this to their advantage and never gave up the lead. SU fought back, but it was not enough as Fontbonne took the first set 25-20.

Set two was a closer one for SU. The hosts started this set giving up the opening point, but that was not enough for the Golden Eagles. Spalding kept it close, but Fontbonne took control for the remainder of the set and won the set 25-20.

The final set was all Griffins to start. Fontbonne began this set going on a 6-0 run. In spite of the 6-0 deficit, the Golden Eagles would fight back into this match making it even at 8-8. This set was a battle until a late push from Fontbonne. The Griffins went on a 5-0 run giving them a lead for a comfortable 25-18 victory.

GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES

• Jordyn Sarver led the Golden Eagles in both matches in kills with 13 in the first and eight in the second.
• Sarver led SU in total points with 21.5.
• Spalding led in most categories against MUW. The Golden Eagles led in kills (50-32) and assists (47-31).
• Halle Calbert had a block party with four total blocks.

NEXT FOR SPALDING
Spalding returns to action Wednesday, October 4th at Depauw University. First serve is set for 7 p.m.