Jackets Play Their Hearts Out in Tough Loss

Box Score

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Alaska Anchorage almost became upset victim number two for Montana State Billings.  The Seawolves dug deep for a 3-2 (25-21, 20-25, 24-26, 25-15, 15-9) volleyball win over the Yellowjackets, Saturday night.  MSUB will finish the 2008 season at home, Thur., Nov. 13 against Saint Martin’s.  The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.

In the opening game, Montana State Billings played with confidence jumping out to a 12-8.  Alaska Anchorage went on an 11-4 run to put the Jackets in trouble.  MSUB forced a hitting error to stay alive at 19-17.

UAA got two quick points to go up by four.  After that the teams traded points until the Seawolves got the win.

In game two, Montana State Billings just hammered Alaska Anchorage.  They jumped out to a 7-1 start.  Twice UAA closed to three points but the Jackets were never in any danger.

In game three, the Yellowjackets faced tough times.  The Seawolves led 21-18 and were on the verge of going up 2-1.  MSUB refused to quit and forced a serve error, then got two kills from Devon Crotteau to tie the game at 21-21.

Down 24-23, Montana State Billings resorted to playing from the heart.  Ashley Welborn threaded the needle with a shot right down the line to make it 24-24.  The Jackets formidable front line forced two hitting errors and MSUB was one game away.

In game four, Crotteau just hammered the ball to close the gap to 11-8.  The Jackets though were a little fatigued from the previous game.  UAA went on a 9-3 run to pretty much seal the game.

In the deciding fifth game, Alaska Anchorage tried to put MSUB away early.  They jumped out to a 7-3 lead.  However, two errors and kills from Rosey Falemaka and Jennifer Boe sent the message loud and clear.  At 7-7, the Yellowjackets were not done fighting.

UAA got two kills to make it 9-7 but Boe came back with a spine rattling shot to make it 9-8.  The Seawolves finally got some breathing room with four straight points.

“I’m very proud of the girls tonight,” said head coach Dana Cordova.  “They played hard but not always with consistency.  However, it is tough to play on the road in this conference.  They put themselves in position to win and I can’t be disappointed with that.”

For Montana State Billings (6-23, 3-12 GNAC), Crotteau had 16 kills and 14 digs while Boe had a strong night with 12 kills and 17 digs.  Welborn had nine kills and 10 digs and Jill Trabing collected 17 digs.

For Alaska Anchorage (14-13, 6-8 GNAC), Rhea Cardwell had 24 kills and 17 digs, Rachel Kidwell added 17 kills with 15 digs and Calli Scott had 56 assists.