BILLINGS, Mont.- The Montana State University Billings Yellowjacket Volleyball team (2-10) went head-to-head with the Central Washington University Wildcats. The Wildcats are currently (8-3) on the year and are currently ranked 15^th in the nation after a trip to the Sweet 16 last year. Central proved why they are highly ranked, beating the Yellowjackets in three sets (25-18, 25-11, 25-15).

Freshman Emma Fa'alogo led the game off with an ace and the 'Jackets offense was clicking as they led the Wildcats in kills the first set, 11 to 9. Christine Funk held down the back row with 9 digs, keeping the 'Jackets within striking distance at 15-14 but ultimately dropped the set 25-18 behind a late Wildcat run.

The Wildcats came out hot in the second set getting up 10-4 early behind some long rallies and tightly contested points. The 15^th team in the nation looked very impressive in the second set, eventually winning 25-11 to take a 2-0 lead in the match. At the crossover, Olivia Schwartz was leading the 'Jackets with five kills on 18 attempts.

In the third set, the 'Jackets switched up their offense as freshman Julia Gordon was in on the outside. Her first action this year as an outside hitter, she was able to come in and tally 3 kills in the set. The 'Jackets battled tough and saw many bright spots, but the Wildcats offense was very efficient throughout the whole match having 5 players hit over .200. MSUB battled to the end with two impressive match point stands but fell 25-15.

Aubrey Allison led the 'Jackets offense with 6 kills on the night, followed by Schwartz with 5. Funk once again led her team with 17 digs while Fa'alogo controlled the offense with 18 assists and 2 aces.

THE BUZZ: Christine Funk is your Intermountain Health Player of the Game. Funk did her thing again compiling 17 digs, averaging almost 6 digs per set proving just how effective she is defensively.

UP NEXT: Montana State University Billings Yellowjacket Volleyball is back home this Saturday for another GNAC matchup against the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks. The match is scheduled for 1 PM in Alterowitz Gym.