LACEY, Wash.- The Montana State University Billings Yellowjacket volleyball team (7-20, 0-17 GNAC) fought hard but ultimately fell to Saint Martin's University (6-18, 4-12 GNAC) in a tightly contested four-set match, 3-1 (29-27, 15-25, 25-21, 25-17). Despite a strong performance in nearly every statistical category, the Yellowjackets were edged by the Saints, who won the match 68-64 in total points.
Both teams were evenly matched throughout the match, with Saint Martin's posting a slight advantage in hitting percentage (.210 to .138) and blocks (10 to 5). However, MSUB outperformed SMU in aces (9 to 6), assists (51 to 47), and digs (79 to 71), showcasing a balanced team effort.
Jahsita Fa'ali'i continued her strong play, leading the Yellowjackets with 16 kills, a .293 hitting percentage, 18 digs, two service aces, and a block. Jordan Taulua added 10 kills and three digs, while
Aliah Williams contributed eight kills, three blocks, three digs, and one assist. After shifting to a 5-1 offensive system,
Addie Allen tied her career high with 43 assists, adding five digs, two aces, one block, and one kill. On the defensive end,
Christine Funk led the team with 22 digs, averaging 5.5 per set, while both
Avarey Stuff and Fa'ali'i each posted 18 digs.
Bailey Nichols also contributed 10 digs, eight kills, two blocks, and a team-high four service aces.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The match got off to an exciting start with the opening set featuring 10 ties and five lead changes. The Yellowjackets jumped out to an early 6-2 lead, but the Saints responded with an 8-3 run to retake the lead. It was a back-and-forth affair from there, but Saint Martin's ultimately took the first set 29-27 after extra points.
In the second set, MSUB quickly regrouped, going on a 7-0 run behind the serving of
Avarey Stuff. The Yellowjackets controlled the set from start to finish, with Fa'ali'i closing it out with two service aces to seal the 25-15 win.
Saint Martin's regained their momentum in the third set, leveraging their home court advantage to win 25-21, and then clinched the match with a 25-17 victory in the fourth set.
STATISTIC LEADERS
KILLS: Jahsita Fa'ali'i (16);
Jordin Taulua (10)
ASSISTS: Addie Allen (43);
Emma Fa'alogo (2)
DIGS: Christine Funk (22);
Jahsita Fa'ali'i (18);
Avarey Stuff (18)
BLOCKS: Aliah Williams (3);
Julia Gordon (2);
Bailey Nichols (2)
ACES: Bailey Nichols (4);
Jahsita Fa'ali'i (2);
Addie Allen (2)
THE BUZZ: Jahsita Fa'ali'i was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game after posting another double-double with 16 kills with a .293 hitting percentage, 18 digs, two service aces, and one block.
UP NEXT: The Montana State University Billings volleyball team will round out their 2024 season with a road match against the Seattle Pacific Falcons on November 23
rd at 3:00 PM (MST).
