Billings, Mont. – Montana State Billings head volleyball coach Lisa Axel is in her first year at the helm for the Yellowjackets. After playing in tournaments in Hawaii and Colorado, the team is ready to get into their Great Northwest Athletic Conference play. While experiencing the early growing pains of learning a new system, the team is currently on a three game winning streak and has good momentum heading into conference play.
 
The Yellowjackets were highly competitive in the Honolulu Invitational, but were unable to come away with a victory. Slow starts were a common theme that plagued MSUB throughout the tournament.
 
MSUB had solid performances from several players; freshman Kyndal Williams had 127 total assists, Chelsey Walter and Monica Grimsrud led the team in kills with 36 and 43 respectively. Erin Compton played exceptional defense with 82 total digs. Grimsrud earned all-tournament honors for her performance at the Honolulu Invitational.
 
MSUB came back strong in the CSU-Pueblo Volleyball Classic. After losing their first game in four sets, the Yellowjackets won a tough five set match against Adams State College and swept both Eastern New Mexico University and University of New Haven in straight sets.
 
The victory over Adams State was key because it gave the Grizzlies their first loss on the season and also allowed the Yellowjackets to finally be rewarded for their hard work with a victory. The first victory of coach Axel's tenure provided the necessary spark the team needed. Sweeping the Greyhounds and Chargers in three straight sets, the Jackets have great momentum entering GNAC play.
 
Compton and Grimsrud's play during the weekend earned them a selection to the CSU-Pueblo Volleyball Classic All-Tournament Team. With 89 total digs and seven assists Compton's defense was instrumental on the team's success. Grimsrud led the offensive attack with 58 total digs. She also had 10 blocks and 27 digs on the weekend.
 
MSUB will be heading west for their first pair of conference games. On Friday, Sept. 14 at 7:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) the Yellowjackets face Western Washington University then square up against Simon Fraser University on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). Last season MSUB swept Simon Fraser in their season series and lost both their matches versus Western Washington. The Vikings are currently ranked No. 14 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association national poll.
 
 
Axel Interview
 
Lutz Interview
 
Grimsrud Interview
 
Walter Interview