BISMARCK, N.D. – The Montana State University Billings volleyball team opened the 2026 season with a four-set loss to the University of Mary, falling 16-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-11, Thursday evening at the McDowell Activity Center.
The Yellowjackets (0-1) recorded 42 kills while totaling eight service aces and 12 team blocks in the season opener. MSUB hit .087 for the match and forced nine service errors by the Marauders, but Mary responded by hitting .221 and holding the Yellowjackets to a negative attacking percentage in the fourth set.
Allie Dorman led the Yellowjackets offensively with 11 kills and added seven digs, one ace, and one block assist.
Emma Fairbairn and
Izzy Ping each finished with six kills, while
Laina Whitney contributed four kills, a team-high five block assists, and an ace.
Avery Starr directed the offense with 31 assists while adding two block assists and six digs. Defensively, Fairbairn led MSUB with nine digs, while
Avarey Stuff added six digs and three service aces.
The 'Jackets came out strong in the opening set, using an efficient .240 hitting percentage and a balanced attack to take control early. The Yellowjackets limited Mary to a .036 hitting percentage in the frame, pulling away late for a convincing 25-16 victory and a 1-0 lead in the match.
Mary answered in the second set, hitting .423 while totaling 13 kills against just two errors. The Marauders gradually built separation midway through the frame and held off any MSUB comeback attempt to even the match with a 25-18 win.
The third set featured five ties and three lead changes as both teams traded momentum throughout the opening points. The Marauders pulled away late behind a 16-kill effort, overcoming nine attacking errors to claim the set 25-19 and move within one set of the match.
The Yellowjackets were unable to regain momentum in the fourth. Mary hit .333 while limiting MSUB to a -.087 attacking percentage, using an early run to create separation before closing out the match with a 25-11 victory.
UP NEXT: MSUB continues play at the University of Mary Invitational on Friday with matches against Black Hills State at 11:30 a.m. and Western New Mexico at 4:30 p.m.
