BILLINGS, Mont. — The fans of Alterowitz Gymnasium packed the stands in pink Thursday night as the Montana State University Billings volleyball team hosted its annual Pink Night game in support of breast cancer awareness. Despite the special atmosphere and a spirited effort from the Yellowjackets, Western Washington University came away with a 3-1 GNAC victory, taking the match by set scores of 25-20, 21-25, 26-24 and 25-15.
With hundreds of fans filling Alterowitz Gymnasium in pink to recognize breast cancer awareness, the Yellowjackets (3-14, 0-8) competed through three tightly contested sets before the Vikings found separation in the fourth. MSUB demonstrated its ability to match Western Washington's offensive production throughout much of the evening, finishing with 48 kills, 41 assists, four service aces and 81 digs. The 'Jackets also recorded 14 total blocks, including 14 block assists, while keeping the match within reach until the Vikings pulled away late.
"I loved the grit that we played with tonight," said head coach
Scott Keister. "We had to adjust our lineup a bit, but we were just glad to be home after being on the road five out of the last six weeks. We love our crowd and support we have here. Really pleased with how Grace stepped in to add some blocking and the defensive effort by Avarey! It's baby steps but the process is moving forward."
Allie Dorman led the Yellowjackets offensively with 17 kills on 57 attacks, adding one service ace, one block assist and 11 digs in a strong all-around performance.
Emma Fairbairn contributed nine kills and 21 digs, providing a steady presence on both sides of the ball, while
Laina Whitney recorded seven kills and four block assists.
Izzy Ping added six kills while hitting .250, along with two block assists, and
Addyson Quandt chipped in four kills and three block assists.
Grace Lingle contributed two kills, eight digs and four block assists as MSUB continued to work for opportunities at the net.
Defensively,
Avarey Stuff paced the 'Jackets with 22 digs, adding six assists and one service ace. Fairbairn followed with 21 digs, while Dorman collected 11 and
Aaliyah Gaylord added 10. Gaylord also led MSUB with 20 assists, while
Avery Starr distributed 14 assists and recorded six digs. The Yellowjackets' defensive effort helped keep the match competitive through the first three sets, but Western Washington ultimately finished with 57 kills and an overall .175 hitting percentage.
The opening set featured a competitive start as MSUB looked to establish its rhythm in front of the pink-clad home crowd. The Yellowjackets remained within reach of the Vikings through the early exchanges, but Western Washington gradually created separation and closed out the frame 25-20. MSUB recorded 12 kills in the set, with Dorman and her teammates continuing to search for openings against the Vikings' defense.
MSUB answered with its strongest offensive set of the night in the second, recording 17 kills while hitting .239 to earn a 25-21 victory. The Yellowjackets found greater consistency in their attack and responded to the opening-set loss with a determined performance. The improved offensive efficiency allowed MSUB to even the match at one set apiece, bringing energy back into Alterowitz Gymnasium and setting up a pivotal third frame.
The third set delivered the night's most dramatic stretch of volleyball, with the teams combining for seven tie scores and two lead changes. MSUB recorded 14 kills and hit .214, continuing to produce offensively while battling the Vikings point for point. Neither team was able to establish lasting control, and the 'Jackets remained in contention deep into the set. Western Washington ultimately edged MSUB 26-24, taking a 2-1 advantage in the match despite the Yellowjackets' continued resistance.
With momentum on its side, Western Washington delivered its most efficient offensive performance of the evening in the fourth set. The Vikings recorded 17 kills while hitting .375, putting consistent pressure on the MSUB defense. The Yellowjackets struggled to find the same attacking rhythm that had fueled their second- and third-set efforts, finishing with five kills and a negative hitting percentage in the frame. Western Washington pulled away to claim the set 25-15 and secure the four-set conference victory.
UP NEXT: MSUB will return to Alterowitz Gymnasium on Saturday, Oct. 10, when the Yellowjackets host Simon Fraser in another GNAC matchup. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m. as MSUB looks to respond in front of its home crowd.
