CARSON, Calif. – Double-doubles from Stormy Siemion and Angala Jensen are not enough as Montana State Billings opened the D2 West Region Volleyball Showcase Thursday at the Torodome with a 3-1 (18-25, 25-15, 25-19, and 25-19) loss to Azusa Pacific.
 
The Yellowjackets began the match with a 1-0 set lead by taking the first set, but Azusa Pacific was able to capitalize on defensive miscues and a sluggish serve receive from MSUB as the Yellowjackets struggled to remain consistent. APU served up 10 aces and produced 11.0 blocks. The Cougars finished with one more kill than MSUB, 50-49, but were more efficient on the attack with a .274-.175 hitting percentage.
 
In the fifth match of the year for both teams, the 'Jackets handed the Cougars their first win of the 2016 season as both programs are now even with a 1-4 overall record.

"Today was a disappointing loss as I didn't think we showed up ready to play," MSUB head coach Casey Williams. "Hopefully, we can figure some things out tonight and be better prepared for our two matches tomorrow."
 
MSUB senior Ashlynn Ward led all players with 19 kills on a .244 attack percentage (19-8-45). Siemion finished with 14 kills and a match-high 16 digs. Jensen also finished the night with a double-double, leading both teams at 34 assists and 10 digs.

 

In the opening set MSUB had to come from behind. A kill from Lexa de Jesus was the turning point for the 'Jackets. The junior put MSUB ahead by three points, 16-13. Continuing the momentum, the Yellowjackets forced several errors from Azusa Pacific. MSUB's Kylee Cornelio made a nifty move to push the ball back over the net, earning a set point. Siemion then sealed the opening match lead with a kill off a bump set from Cornelio. 

Shrugging off the deficit, Azusa Pacific picked up steam in the second set. After two points from MSUB to pull the 'Jackets to within a point, 8-7, APU opened up the second frame with a 10-2 run, jumping ahead and making the set virtually unreachable. Three straight points from the Cougars finished off with a double block from Julianne Miller and Aliyah Morrison evened the match with the second set win.
 
In the back half of the match, the Yellowjackets fought to find their footing. MSU Billings began the third frame with a slight lead. A tough serving run from Ashley Midland and Shaylah Kagehiro propelled APU out ahead 12-6. Kills from Siemion and Jensen closed the 'Jackets to within three, 22-19. A solo block and kill from APU's Natalia Klapp ended the third set.
 
MSUB began the fourth set with the early lead again 9-6. A double block from Siemion and Miranda McConnell drove MSUB ahead. APU punched back with a 6-1 run, including two more service aces. Madison Ogas gave the Cougars the lead back in the middle of the set. Ward tied the final frame at 17 with a kill off an assist from Jensen. APU added two points, but Casey Rich knotted the score at 19 with an ace for MSUB. Putting their foot down, the Cougars held strong at the end of the match, closing out with a 6-0 run.
 
THE BUZZ: The Yellowjackets finished with four more digs than APU, 42-38…Rich and Siemion both had two service aces…Jensen named the St. Vincent Healthcare Athlete of the Match.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets return to the court for two matches tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 9. MSUB is scheduled to face Hawaii Hilo at noon PST followed by a contest against Humboldt State at 5 p.m. PST. Both matches will have live stats and a live video stream available on the tournament website here.