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BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings volleyball team fought hard to fend off the Vikings of Western Washington University but to no avail as the Yellowjackets fell at home 0-3 (16-25, 20-25, 18-25) to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference powerhouse Vikings inside Alterowitz Gymnasium Thursday night.
 
With the loss, MSUB falls to an even 8-8 overall and are now 2-5 in league action while the Vikings continue to roll with a 9-3 overall record (7-1 GNAC).
 
“We knew we were in for a tough match against a team that has been the class of the conference,” said head coach Steve Smith after the match. “They are one of the best volleyball teams in NCAA Division II over the past few years but I feel like our defense played them well. We just have to have all aspects of our game show up on the same day, and that did not happen tonight.”
 
The Vikings are currently at the top of the league standings, tied with the University of Alaska Anchorage and Seattle Pacific with just one loss in conference play, but the Yellowjackets were able to keep each set close until the very end.
 
Five different Yellowjackets recorded multiple kills in a balanced attack for MSUB as Melissa Porter led the way with eight kills hitting a solid .375 (8-2-16). Krista Norris was one termination behind her with seven kills.
 
Yellowjacket libero Erin Compton corralled in a match-high 27 digs to lead the Yellowjackets' back row.
 
Two Vikings tallied double-digit kills as Marlayna Geary led all attackers with 17 kills en route to recording a double-double along with 19 digs. Emily Jepsen recorded 12 kills in over the three sets hitting an impressive .458 (12-1-24).
 
The Yellowjackets will be back in action Saturday night at home when the Clan of Simon Fraser enters the confines of Alterowitz Gymnasium for a 7 p.m. GNAC match.