The Master's University women's volleyball team knew it would be challenged this weekend when it flew east to play in what might be the toughest four-game stretch any NAIA program will attempt to navigate this season.
Friday confirmed the notion that the Mustangs' impressive 9-0 start still leaves room for improvement as the team builds toward a strong showing in Golden State Athletic Conference play and, it hopes, a berth in the NAIA tournament.
TMU plans to grow from a pair of 3-0 losses on the first day of the Hampton Inn Classic in Columbia, Mo. The Mustangs fell to some of the nation's best.
Master's played No. 5 Park University first and lost by scores of 25-11, 25-14, 25-17. The road didn't ease up in the evening, but TMU rose to the challenge. The Mustangs lost to No. 3 Missouri Baptist by scores of 25-16, 25-23, 25-20.
Master's nearly took set two, leading 13-11 at one point and later forging a 22-22 tie. It wasn't to be. The Mustangs will take another crack at NAIA Top 25 teams Saturday when they play No. 14 Columbia College at 9 a.m. and No. 1 Lindsey Wilson at 1 p.m. Both times are PST.
