Box Score

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – 17th-ranked Western Washington University posted a 3-0 (25-10, 25-20, 25-15) victory over visiting Montana State Billings Thursday evening in Carver Gymnasium.  With the loss, the Yellowjackets fell to 2-15 overall and 2-6 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.  WWU improved to 10-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play.

“Much more positive tonight with the mindset and output on the court,” MSUB head coach Steve Smith said.  “They didn't get down once during the match.  Game two was a very good set and when we are passing well, we can pass with anyone.  I am really proud of how they competed and it gives us a good starting point to improve technically.  If we can continue to do the things we did tonight, we will continue to get better as a team.”

The Jackets were led by 12 kills and 13 digs from Jennifer Boe.  Junior Brook Tolman led the way with 23 assists and a .167 attack percentage.  As a team, MSUB hit .082 with 25 kills and 18 errors.  11 of the errors with aces.

WWU was led by Emily Jepsen who had 14 kills and an impressive .689 attack percentage to lead the match.  Kari Rice tallied a match-high 38 assists as the Vikings hit .337 with 40 kills and 10 errors.

Western Washington dominated the first set as it held the Yellowjackets to just three kills on nine errors for a 25-10 victory. 

The youthful Yellowjackets did not panic as they battled back in the second set to a 25-20 setback as they led early and never trailed by more than six points.

WWU used an 8-0 run for an 11-3 lead in the third set and settled for a 25-15 victory.