Volleyball Splits Final Day of Tournament

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BISMARCK, N.D. – Montana State Billings volleyball looked to be well on its way to going 3-0 after defeating Minot State in the morning match at the Expressway Inn Invitational, but the day ended on a sour note as the Yellowjackets fell to the University of Mary in five games, 25-17, 25-18, 23-25, 19-25, 10-15.

“In the morning match we came out with great intensity and energy and we were able to execute and make plays,” said head coach Steve Smith. “In the evening match we just had some unfortunate things happen in the third, fourth and fifth games.”

Devon Crotteau ended the day with 32 kills in 69 attempts with just 12 errors. Jennifer Boe finished the final day with 28 kills and 19 digs, while Hillary Morrison had 84 assists and 11 digs. In the morning session, MSUB finished with a .432 hitting percentage as a team committing just 10 errors.

The morning match saw MSUB dominate Minot State in three games, 25-21, 25-16, 25-14. During the three games, the Yellowjackets hit .321, .464 and .520 as a team. They had 45 kills, led by Crotteau and Boe with 13 and 11 respectively.

In the evening match, the Yellowjackets came out firing taking the first two games in dominating fashion, 25-17 and 25-18. University of Mary was out hit by MSUB 24-9 in the first two games. Leading 2-0 in the match, the Yellowjackets were unable to close out the Maurauders in the third and dropped the game 25-23. Mary would use the momentum to take the next two and close out the match for a 3-2 victory.

With today’s split, MSUB moves to 4-3 on the season. They return to action next weekend, at home, when they host the Montana State Billings Tournament, which also serves as the home opener for the season. The tournament begins Friday, Sept. 11at 11 a.m. and will include GNAC foe Northwest Nazarene, also competing are Dickinson State, Northern State and University of Mary.