Yellowjackets Split First Two Matches of Rocky Tournament (September 6, 2002)

BILLINGS – The MSU Billings volleyball team found itself on both ends of 3-0 matches Friday, defeating the University of Great Falls (30-22, 30-16, 32-30) and falling to National American University (30-13, 30-16, 30-26).  The Yellowjackets move to 3-4 on the season.

In the 10:00 a.m. match, the Yellowjackets overpowered UGF and never trailed in the match.  Outside hitter Olivia Munro notched 15 kills and six service aces, and fellow outside hitter Kari Gerretsen added 13 kills.  Senior setter Krissy Janney guided the Yellowjackets’ attack with 33 assists.

In the 4:00 p.m. match, MSU Billings ran into an experienced National American University team that was runner-up in last season’s NAIA National Tournament.  In the first NAIA poll of 2002 the Mavericks were ranked No. 2.

NAU started fast and swept through the first two games by a combined score of 60-29.  Their balanced attack was led by Regiane Manzato’s 10 kills, Luciano Camargo’s nine kills, and Fernanda Vivancos’s seven kills.  Eight of the 11 players on the Mavericks’ roster are from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Yellowjackets made a run at NAU in game three, leading 24-20 late in the game.  However, the Mavericks’ service game was too strong as they outscored MSUB 10-2 over the final 12 points.  MSUB was led by Munro’s nine kills and seven digs.  Junior Katrina Dahlgren added seven kills.

The Yellowjackets will continue play tomorrow when they face Carroll College at 10:00 a.m. and Montana Tech at 4:00 p.m.