Yellowjackets Volleyball Opens Season with Win in Five Game Marathon

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OAHU, Hawaii – A new era of Montana State Billings volleyball got off to an exciting start with a five game thriller over Hawaii Pacific at the AQUA Hotels Invitational, Thursday evening, 15-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-21, 15-11.

Devon Crotteau (Casper, Wyo.) led the way for the Yellowjackets with an outstanding .525 hitting percentage and 23 kills. Junior Jen Boe (Casper, Wyo.) also contributed with 10 kills and two service aces. Sophomore Whitney Mickelsen stepped up in the match with her team-high 19 digs.

From the onset both teams looked as though they were in for a long night. Back and forth action set the tone early as neither team was able to take total control of the match. The Yellowjackets came out at the onset and dropped a tough first game, 25-15. They were able to rebound in the second game and control the flow on their way to a 25-22 victory to tie the match.

The third game took a swing for Pacific as they used a 6-0 run midway through the game to go on and take the third, 25-18. With their backs against the wall, MSUB dug deep and controlled the fourth throughout, taking a 25-21 victory and forcing the fifth and deciding game.

The Yellowjackets jumped out to a 7-2 lead early in the match before the Sea Warriors scored four unanswered points to bring the match back to 7-6. After a couple of errors on both teams, Hannah Johnson (San Diego, Calif.) came up with a kill to push the MSUB lead to 13-8. After an error on MSUB, Hawaii Pacific scored three unanswered, but the Yellowjackets once again made one last play, a kill from Crotteau, to take the finale, 15-11.

“I was proud of the girls, to go out on the road and beat a very good team at home is good,” said Yellowjacket head coach, Steve Smith. “We were out hit and out blocked throughout the match, but the defense stayed steady and never panicked, that’s what won us the match. We still have a long ways to go but I’m happy with how the girls played in the first game of the year.”

Hawaii Pacific (0-1) was led by preseason all-conference selection, Kelly Balanay, with 15 kills. Sanoe Recca had 11 kills and 10 dig, while Tricia Yoshimura led the Sea Warriors with 15 digs.

With the win, MSUB (1-0) recorded their first win against Hawaii Pacific in 16 attempts. This was their first win in a season opener since Aug. 26, 2006 against Quincy. The Yellowjackets will continue their road trip tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m. against BYU-Hawaii.