BELLINGHAM, Wash.. – The Montana State University Billings volleyball team was defeated 3-0 (15-25, 20-25, 17-25) by No. 11 Western Washington University to conclude their opening weekend of GNAC play.
 
The Vikings (7-3, 2-0 GNAC) looked in control all night as the Yellowjackets (6-3, 0-2 GNAC) spent the majority of the evening playing from behind against their ranked opponents.
 
The first game would set the tone for the match, as the Vikings were able to jump out to a quick lead. After the Yellowjackets opened the scoring, Western Washington would go on to score the next six points in a row. While the 'Jackets would battle to bring the score within one, a second run of five straight points would restore the Vikings advantage as they would take set one securely.
 
The following set would stay closer, as the 'Jackets would prevent the Vikings from going on the long runs of scoring that propelled them in set one. However, MSUB was unable to overcome Western Washington's early lead in the set, as the hosts managed to hold the 'Jackets at bay once more. Set three would play out similarly to the opening one, as the Vikings would use long runs of scoring to prevent the 'Jackets from gaining momentum in their attempts to keep the game alive.
 
Western Washington was led by Calley Heilborn's 12 points and 10 kills, while Olivia Fairchild was right behind her with 10 points and kills of her own. Malia Aleaga topped all players with 40 assists, and Gabby Gunterman's three aces counted for half of the Vikings final total.
 
For the Yellowjackets, Jahsita Fa'ali'i had 11 kills and 12 points, both team highs. Christine Funk helped keep the ball in play for the 'Jackets with 15 digs, and Hannah Hayden and Lily Gentz tied for the team lead in blocks.
 
THE BUZZ: Fa'ali'I was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…the Yellowjackets now have a 1-31 all-time record against the Vikings.
 
NEXT UP: MSUB return to their home court for their first home game of GNAC play, with their next game coming up on Thursday, September 15 against #16 University of Alaska Anchorage, their second consecutive ranked opponent.