The Spartan volleyball team continued the first day success for AU's homecoming weekend Friday night in Thornton Gymnasium, defeating the visiting Crusaders of Maranatha Baptist Bible College in five sets, 3-2 (25-16, 21-25, 22-25, 25-15, 15-6).

AU came out with a scorching start to the night, capturing the opening set in front of the home AU crowd, 25-16. Senior setter Christine Ozlanski tallied five points in her first and only serving attempt of the set, extending the Spartans to a comfortable lead.

The quick start by the host Spartans was promptly halted though and the contest looked to be in some doubt of a happy ending, as the Crusaders captured the second set 25-21 and the third set 25-22, putting the Spartans in a must win scenerio heading into the fourth set.

AU went on to capture the fourth set 25-15, led by junior outside hitters Amy Reynolds and Michelle Sims, each had four kills in the set.

The set win by the Spartans set up the all important fifth set. AU jumped out to a quick 7-3 lead in the fifth  and deciding set. Ozlanski once again took the serving reigns and the Spartans took a commanding 14-5 lead by the time she was finished with her rotation. Both teams traded a final point with AU solidifying the 15-6 win and the 3-2 victory.

The Spartans were led by senior middle hitter Jill Smart (16 kills, six digs and three aces), junior outside hitters Amy Reynolds and Michelle Sims each had 11 kills and 15 digs and setters, senior Christine Ozlanski (29 assists) and junior Vanessa Davids (21 assists) kept the offense running all night.

The Crusaders were led by freshman outside hitter Torey DeLozier (22 kills and 16 digs) and junior setter Karla Gotzman (33 assists).

The Spartans improve their record to 12-12; 5-1 NAC and will return to the court tomorrow morning, Saturday, October 10 at 10:30 a.m. against Edgewood College in Thornton Gymnasium.