BILLINGS, Mont.- The Montana State University Yellowjacket volleyball team (1-0) claimed victory via three set sweep (25-12, 25-20, 25-18) over the Minot State Beavers (0-1) in their 2024 season debut.
 
HEAR FROM COACH WILLIAMS: "What a great way to start season. I thought that we had a really great showing from our entire team, and I was really proud of the group. It was great to be led by our veteran players and I am looking forward to building on this momentum."
 
The Yellowjackets dominated the three-set match, outscoring the Beavers 75-50. MSUB also led every major statistical category, besting Minot in kills (42-23), service aces (8-2), total blocks (8-4), assists (38-21), and digs (44-38). Sophomore middle blocker Julia Gordon led the way on offense, posting 11 kills with a .429 hitting percentage and had two block assists. Alongside Gordon was Jahsita Fa'ali'i, who posted an impressive double-double in her first game back since 2022. Fa'ali'i tallied 10 kills while hitting just under .300, had two block assists, one solo block, and led the team in digs with 16.
 
The 'Jackets looked flawless on offense, posting a team hitting percentage of .243, which bests their team hitting percentage from every single game last season. This was a result of true freshman Addie Allen, who helped lead the offense with 29 assists in her collegiate debut. Veteran libero, Christine Funk, also paid her dues, showing out with three service aces and 12 digs in her 2024 debut.
 
The first set started off back-and-forth until the 'Jackets went on a late 14-3 run. Bailey Nichols, Kenzie Nealon, and Gordan all pitched in a pair of kills to gain the momentum and take the opening set 25-12. The second set was a different story, the Yellowjackets got out to an early 10-2 lead, but the Beavers came storming back to get within four late in the set. Jordin Taulua ended Minot's 7-3 run with a huge kill to help MSUB take the second set 25-20. The Final set of the match was back-and-forth early, with both teams tied at nine until Fa'ali'i went three straight kills for the 'Jackets to regain the lead. From there, the Yellowjackets extended their lead with six straight points to take the final set 25-18.  
 
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
Julia Gordon: 11 Kills, .428 Pct., 2 BA
Christine Funk: 12 Digs, 3 SA
Addie Allen: 29 Assists, 2 SA, 4 Digs
Jordin Taulua: 9 Kills, 9 Digs, 2 BLK's
 
THE BUZZ: Jahsita Fa'ali'i was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game after posting a double-double with 10 kills, a team leading 16 digs, three blocks, and one service ace.
 
UP NEXT: The 'Jackets are back in action at 6:00 PM for their second game of the Yellowjacket Volleyball Invitational against Black Hills State here in Alterowitz Gym.