BILLINGS, Mont. — In dominant fashion, the Montana State University Billings volleyball team delivered a commanding performance Wednesday night, sweeping Rocky Mountain College 25-18, 25-16, 25-23 at Alterowitz Gymnasium to secure a 2-0 sweep of the Yellowjackets' Rimrock Rivalry series against the Battlin' Bears this season.
The Yellowjackets controlled much of the match behind an efficient offensive attack and a strong presence at the net, finishing with 43 kills and a .295 hitting percentage while holding Rocky Mountain to a .114 mark. MSUB also recorded 14 total blocks and seven service aces, putting together a balanced effort on both sides of the ball to earn the straight-set victory in front of 487 fans in Billings.
"We finally put a match together from start to finish and every person on the team had a strong performance," said head coach
Scott Keister. "Our middles especially took over in the match. It's so great to see their day in and day out hard work pay off so that they can see what is possible. I love that we earned that match rather than having it given to us through our opponents errors. We will celebrate our win of course, but more importantly we are celebrating our performance."
Allie Dorman paced the Yellowjackets offensively with 14 kills on 32 attacks, hitting .344 while adding three service aces and 13 digs.
Laina Whitney turned in one of the most efficient performances of the night, recording 11 kills on 18 attempts with just one error for a .556 hitting percentage.
Addyson Quandt added eight kills without an error, hitting .571, while
Emma Fairbairn chipped in six kills and two block assists. At the net, Quandt led MSUB with five block assists, while
Grace Lingle contributed four block assists.
Avarey Stuff anchored the back row with a team-high 16 digs, and setters
Aaliyah Gaylord and
Avery Starr recorded 17 assists apiece to help orchestrate the Yellowjackets' offensive production.
MSUB established control in the opening set, using a productive attack and consistent defensive pressure to build an early advantage. The Yellowjackets finished the frame with 12 kills and a .265 hitting percentage, finding opportunities to score while limiting the Bears' offensive effectiveness. Rocky Mountain managed 10 kills in the set but struggled to maintain consistency, committing seven attack errors. The 'Jackets maintained their advantage through the closing points to claim the first set 25-18 and take an early lead in the match.
The Yellowjackets delivered their strongest offensive showing in the second set, finding their rhythm and putting sustained pressure on the Bears' defense. MSUB recorded 19 kills against just three errors, hitting an impressive .400 in the frame. Whitney and Quandt were particularly effective, combining efficient attacking with the team's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Yellowjackets also continued to apply pressure at the net, making it difficult for Rocky Mountain to find a consistent offensive response. MSUB pulled away to secure a 25-16 victory, moving within one set of completing the sweep.
Rocky Mountain made the third set more competitive as the Bears attempted to extend the match and force a fourth frame. MSUB continued to generate offense, recording 12 kills in the set, but Rocky Mountain stayed within reach as the teams battled through a tighter finish. The Yellowjackets maintained their composure down the stretch, leaning on their balanced attack and defensive effort to prevent the Bears from extending the match. MSUB ultimately closed out the set 25-23, completing the three-set sweep and capping a successful night in the Rimrock Rivalry.
Wednesday's result also completed the season series between the two Billings programs, with the Yellowjackets winning both meetings to finish 2-0 against Rocky Mountain College in the Rimrock Rivalry. After earning a 3-2 win in the first matchup earlier this season, MSUB followed with a straight-set performance at Alterowitz Gymnasium, securing the series sweep in front of its home crowd.
The victory moves MSUB to 4-17 overall as the Yellowjackets continue their Great Northwest Athletic Conference schedule. MSUB will return to Alterowitz Gymnasium on Saturday, Oct. 24, hosting Seattle Pacific in a conference matchup scheduled for 2 p.m. The Yellowjackets will look to carry the momentum from Wednesday's rivalry win into their next home contest.
