BILLINGS, Mont.
— The Montana State University Billings volleyball team (2-9, 0-3 GNAC) battled through three tightly contested sets Thursday night at Alterowitz Gymnasium, but ultimately fell to Saint Martin's University 3-0, with the Saints claiming the sets 25-23, 25-21, and 25-23.
The Yellowjackets kept the match close throughout, finishing with 37 kills on a .191 hitting percentage while Saint Martin's recorded 52 kills at a .230 clip. MSUB also held advantages in total digs, with 46 compared to 50 for the Saints, and both teams finished with two service aces. The 'Jackets committed 15 attack errors across the three sets and put consistent pressure on Saint Martin's throughout the match.
Emma Fairbairn led the Yellowjackets offensively with 15 kills, while
Allie Dorman added 10 kills and hit .233.
Izzy Ping contributed four kills while
Addyson Quandt and
Mikayla Champlin each added four and two kills, respectively.
Avery Starr paced the MSUB offense with 34 assists and added eight digs and two service aces.
Avarie Gutierrez recorded a team-high nine digs, while Dorman added 10 digs for a double-double. Fairbairn also finished with 11 digs, and Quandt contributed three blocks.
The opening set featured a back-and-forth battle from the outset, with neither team able to establish a significant advantage. The Saints built an early lead before MSUB responded and kept the deficit within striking distance. The Yellowjackets eventually pulled even at 17-17, and the teams continued trading points deep into the frame. Saint Martin's gained a narrow advantage late and reached set point at 24-22. MSUB answered with a point to make it 24-23, but the Saints finished the set on the next rally to take the opener 25-23.
Saint Martin's carried its momentum into the second set and established an early advantage, but the Yellowjackets continued to fight to stay within reach. MSUB trimmed the margin during the middle portion of the set and eventually made it a one-point contest late. The Saints responded with a short scoring run to regain control, taking a 23-20 lead. MSUB fought off one set point, but Saint Martin's closed out the frame 25-21 to move ahead 2-0.
The third set once again came down to the final points. The Yellowjackets and Saints exchanged leads early before MSUB used a scoring run to create separation. Saint Martin's answered and eventually pulled even at 11-11, setting up another tight finish. The teams remained within a few points of one another throughout the remainder of the frame, with MSUB battling to extend the match. The Saints reached match point at 24-22, but the Yellowjackets fought off one opportunity with a point. Saint Martin's then secured the deciding point to win 25-23 and complete the sweep.
The Yellowjackets remain home Saturday when they host Western Oregon at Alterowitz Gymnasium. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m.
