BILLINGS, Mont.- The Montana State University Yellowjacket volleyball team (3-1) split on the day, sweeping the Minot State Beavers 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-14) but fell in the final match of the tournament to the Black Hills State Yellow Jackets in three sets (25-19, 26-24, 25-22). After their fist win on the day, MSUB marked their best start to their season since 2022.
 
HEAR FROM COACH WILLIAMS: "We had a great weekend. Overall, I am proud of how we performed the past two days and proud of how this group is beginning to mesh. We have a lot of different things to celebrate over this weekend but are excited to get back in the gym and keep improving as a team."
 
GAME ONE: The Yellowjackets took care of business in their first game of the day, claiming victory in three sets over the Minot State Beavers. The 'Jackets posted an impressive 41 kills with a .287 team hitting percentage while holding the Beavers to just a .153 efficiency. Jahsita Fa'ali'i, yet again led the way with 13 kills and a .435 hitting percentage with six digs, two blocks, and three service aces. Jordin Taulua also swung well, putting down 11 kills with a .200 hitting percentage and tallied two blocks, nine digs, and a pair of service aces.
 
Addie Allen, who was named Intermountain Health player of the Game, posted an impressive 26 assists, six digs, and two service aces in just three sets. The Yellowjackets outstated the Beavers 43-33 in team digs, which was led by senior libero, Christine Funk. The 'Jackets also topped Minot State in total kills 41-31, service aces 14-3, and total assists 38-29.
 
The first set of the match was a rollercoaster of momentum and back-and-forth runs. The Yellowjackets got out to an early 4-0 lead but never led more than five points during the set. The Beavers tied the game at one point and pulled within one point late in the set, but Fa'ali'i closed the door with back-to-back kills to lead MSUB to a 25-22 victory. From there, the Yellowjackets carried their momentum into the second two sets, besting the Beavers 25-19 in the second frame, and dominating the final set 25-14.
 
GAME 2: The final game of the tournament was a different story as the Yellowjackets faced adversity for the first time of the season. All three sets were an all-out battle but the 'Jackets were unable to convert late in the frames. The 'Jackets got down seven points late in the opening set and were unable to amount a comeback, falling 25-19. Black Hills capitalized with the momentum they gained, taking set two 26-24, and set three 25-22.
 
The Yellowjackets bested Black Hills in blocks 4-3, and total digs 52-42, but were unable to get momentum on offense. Jahsita Fa'ali'i, again did the heavy lifting on the attack, posting 11 kills, seven digs, one service ace, and was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game. Alongside Fa'ali'i was Taulua who also posted 11 kills and had a career high of four service aces.
 
THE BUZZ
Game One: Addie Allen was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game after posting 26 assists, six digs, two service aces, two service aces, and one kill.
Game Two: Jahsita Fa'ali'i was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game after posting 11 kills, seven digs, and one service ace.
 

2024 Yellowjacket Volleyball Invitational All-Tournament Team:

• MSUB | #7 | OH | Jahsita Fa'ali'i (MVP)
• MSUB | #1 | DS/L | Christine Funk
• MSUB | #8 | MB | Julia Gordon
• BHSU | #7 | OH | Brooke Miller
• BHSU | #2 | OH | Abigail Renner
• BHSU | #18 | S | Sydnie Tuioti-Mariner
• MINOT | #18 | OPP | Paulina Kowalsa

 
UP NEXT: The 'Jackets take a brief break before heading to Spearfish, SD on September 12^th for the Yellow Jacket Classic, hosted by Black Hills State. MSUB will play a four-game set, opening up with the host school at 7 PM.