BILLINGS, Mont. – In heartbreaking fashion, the Montana State University Billings volleyball team was defeated by the Central Washington University Wildcats 3-2 (19-25, 25-20, 13-25, 25-16, 8-15) in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play at Alterowitz Gym.
 
The Yellowjackets (7-15, 0-13) gave it everything they had, constantly fighting back to stay in it with the visiting Wildcats, forcing five sets of tough, hard played volleyball. But MSUB came up just short in their quest for their first win in GNAC play. Meanwhile Central Washington (13-8, 8-5) took the win to hold onto fourth place in the GNAC standings.
 
"I'm proud of the way we battled today," said MSUB head coach Casey Bonner. "It was some of the most consistent volleyball we've played this season. We showed a lot of positive things in the game, and while it obviously wasn't the result we were looking for, I think there's a lot of good stuff we can take away from this game."
 
Central Washington was led by Emma Daoud-Hebert and Ashley Kaufman, who each had 14 kills for the Wildcats. Daoud-Hebert also tied for the team lead in blocks with seven, along with Alyssa Smith. Ashley Kaufman came away with five aces in the game, the only player on either side to finish with more than one. Hannah Stires had 17 digs, and Tia Andaya led Central Washington in assists with 28.
 
For the Yellowjackets, Caty Havekost had 12 kills to lead the team. Paiten Langston had a game high eight blocks, along with nine kills of her own. Kennedy Juranek and Alexis King each had 16 digs in the game. King, along with Hannah Hashbarger, combined to create 39 assists for MSUB. Jahsita Fa'ali'i did a little bit of everything for the 'Jackets, finishing with eight kills, 15 digs, and an ace. Hannah Hayden and Carlyn Whitney each had four blocks as well.
 
Set one was decided by a quick start from Central Washington, who jumped out to a big lead early, and held off the rallying 'Jackets. But MSUB responded well in set two, evening up the sets with clutch hitting late in the set. Set three and four would follow the same script, with each team dominating one a piece.
 
While the 'Jackets kept it close early in the decisive fifth set, the Wildcats would score nine of the game's final 13 points, spelling doom for MSUB. The win today was Central Washington's seventh straight victory against the 'Jackets, and their second this season.
 
THE BUZZ: Langston was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…today's game was the third game the 'Jackets have played this year which went to five sets…MSUB is 1-2 in those games.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets hit the road next for a trip to play Western Oregon University next Thursday at 7 p.m.