Yellowjackets Volleyball Drops First of Two Games on Final Day of Hawaii Tournament

Box Score

OAHU, Hawaii – The Montana State University Billings volleyball team played better offensively, but was unable to overcome the Pacific West Conference preseason favorites, Hawaii Hilo, on day three of the AQUA Hotels Invitational, dropping the match in three games, 25-14, 25-18, 25-21.

Devon Crotteau (Casper, Wyo.) led the way for MSUB with a .219 hitting percentage (13-6-32), while Hillary Morrison (Casper, Wyo.) had a team-high 17 assists and two blocks. Jen Boe (Casper, Wyo.) added seven kills and six digs, as Morgan Moss (Fowler, Colo.) and Whitney Mickelsen (Aurora, Utah) each ended the match with five digs a piece.

In the first game, the Yellowjackets started with the momentum but Hilo was able to counter and go on large runs midway through and at the end. With the score tied at 10, the Vulcans went on an 8-0 run before the Yellowjackets took a timeout, but Hilo finished the first game on a 7-0 run to strike first in the match.

The second and third games both ended in the same fashion, in favor of the Vulcans. MSUB once again refused to give up in either of the final two games though, battling back from deficits in both. Hilo proved to be too much in the end, getting 15 kills and five digs from Fabiane Seben. Josimara Pinheiro added in ten kills and 11 digs, while Kawena Cubi-Otineru had 11 kills of her own.

Montana State Billings (1-2) will wrap up play at the AQUA Hotels Invitational later tonight as they take on Chaminade at 7:00 p.m. local time.