Yellowjackets Sweep through Day Two at Clash in the Foothills (August 30, 2003)

GOLDEN, CO – The MSU Billings volleyball team registered its first wins of the 2003 season Saturday as the Jackets swept their two matches on the final day of the Clash in the Foothills tournament in Colorado.  MSUB downed Ouachita Baptist University, 3-0, (30-24, 30-26, 30-28) in the morning match and drubbed Wayne State University, 3-0, (30-15, 30-28, 30-18) in the afternoon.

In the Yellowjackets’ first win of the 2003 season, Katrina Dahlgren (Sr., Missoula, MT) posted a match-high 16 kills and seven total blocks.  The MSUB defense found its stride, holding the Tigers to a .059 hitting percentage.  While the two teams were relatively closely matched in most statistical categories, the Jackets tallied 14 total team blocks to the Tigers’ three.  That 11-point difference was significant when compared to the 12 total points that separated the two teams throughout the match.  Olivia Munro (Jr., Toronto, Ontario) had another solid match with 12 kills and 10 digs.  Jessica Bratton (Fr., Casper, WY) led all players with 17 digs and added nine kills.   

In the afternoon match, the Jackets again put the defensive clamps on their opponents, holding Wayne State to a .075 hitting percentage.  The defensive effort led to offensive opportunities as the Yellowjackets hit an impressive .292 with 22 more kills than the Warriors.  Munro led all players with 18 kills, giving her 60 kills in four matches over the weekend.  Bratton added a double-double with 13 kills and 10 digs to wrap up her first weekend of collegiate volleyball with 38 kills and 39 digs.  Kari Jones (Jr., Hermiston, OR) played setter in all four matches, totaling 143 assists for an 11 apg average.

MSU Billings (2-2) will travel to Humboldt State next weekend for four matches at the Humboldt State Tournament.  The Yellowjackets will face Sonoma State and Humboldt State twice each.  Their first home match will be September 17 against Rocky Mountain College.