BILLINGS, Mont. — The MSUB volleyball team battled back to claim the second set but ultimately fell 3-1 to No. 17-ranked Central Washington University on Halloween Saturday afternoon at Alterowitz Gymnasium, with the Wildcats taking the match 25-10, 16-25, 25-6 and 25-15. The Yellowjackets hosted their first annual Halloween trick-or-treat game, welcoming children from the Billings community to trick-or-treat with the team following the match.
MSUB (5-19, 1-13 GNAC) showed its offensive potential in the second set but was unable to maintain that momentum against the nationally ranked Wildcats (17-4, 13-2 GNAC). Central Washington finished with 48 kills and a .311 hitting percentage, compared to 31 kills and a .102 hitting percentage for the Yellowjackets. MSUB also recorded 37 digs and three service aces, while the Wildcats added 48 digs and 16 aces.
"This game can be really strange sometimes and can just change on a dime," said head coach
Scott Keister. "Overall, I am pleased with our effort today. Coming off a big and emotional win, it was a new challenge to not only focus on the next match, but a match against a great team! We started sluggish but found our way. We have to keep working on sustaining the great play that we are capable of."
Laina Whitney led the Yellowjackets offensively with 10 kills, hitting .304 while adding four block assists.
Izzy Ping contributed eight kills and three block assists, finishing with a .375 hitting percentage.
Allie Dorman also recorded eight kills, while
Mikayla Champlin added three kills and a block assist.
Emma Fairbairn contributed two service aces and eight digs, and
Avarey Stuff led the defensive effort with 11 digs.
Central Washington established control early in the opening set, building a lead and holding MSUB to five kills and a .038 hitting percentage. The Wildcats continued to apply pressure at the net and from the service line, closing out the frame 25-10 to take an early 1-0 advantage.
The Yellowjackets responded with their strongest offensive performance of the afternoon in the second set. MSUB found its rhythm and attacked efficiently, recording 12 kills while committing just two errors for a .435 hitting percentage. The Yellowjackets used that offensive production to build momentum and pull away from the Wildcats, taking the set 25-16 to even the match at one set apiece.
Central Washington regained control in the third set, limiting MSUB to five kills while forcing eight attack errors. The Wildcats hit .400 in the frame and used a strong offensive showing to build a commanding lead. The Yellowjackets were unable to recover, falling 25-6 as Central Washington moved ahead 2-1.
In the fourth set, the Wildcats continued to capitalize on their offensive opportunities, recording 15 kills and hitting .407. MSUB finished with nine kills but struggled to overcome six attack errors. Central Washington maintained its advantage throughout the frame, closing out the match with a 25-15 victory.
Following the match, the Yellowjackets welcomed children from the Billings community to Alterowitz Gymnasium for the Halloween trick-or-treat event, giving young fans an opportunity to celebrate the holiday and interact with the team.
UP NEXT: MSUB returns to action Thursday, Nov. 5, when the Yellowjackets travel to Burnaby, British Columbia, to face Simon Fraser at 7 p.m. at West Gymnasium.
