ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Friends University Falcons concluded the first day of action at the Eutectics Classic with a 3-0 setback to the (RV) Missouri Baptist Spartans today (Sept. 13) in St. Louis. In the opening match of the day, the Falcons swept the tourney host University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy.

Trailing 22-16 in the opening set, kills by Gail Ellermann, Gabriella Lujan, Loren Morazzano and Emily Robbins helped forge a 24-24 gridlock.

But a service error and then a kill from Gabi Jakubowska helped the Spartans slip by with a two-point win and take the lead in the match.

The Spartans then won the second set 25-18 before winning convincingly 25-10 in the third to finish out the win.

"We came out of the gate excited and ready to play for our second match," said Friends volleyball head coach Martin Ayin. "We stumbled a little in the first set but put it together for a close first game. I am proud of our women as they fought hard against a big, physical team and we are looking at this match as a learning experience. Thank you to the family and friends in the stands and online for your support today."

Robbins led the Falcons (7-5) with six kills and Quinn Curran had 22 assists. Antonia Perier recorded a team-leading 20 digs for Friends.

Jakubowska paced everyone with 18 kills for Missouri Baptist (6-9), while Maiana Coelho led the way with 29 assists and Julia Pereira tallied 14 digs.

The Falcons will wrap up play at the Eutectics Classic tomorrow (Sept. 14) with an 8:30 am match vs. Cottey College and a 12:30 pm outing against Freed-Hardeman University.