Lady Yellowjackets Open Home Volleyball Schedule Thursday Night

BILLINGS – The Montana State University-Billings volleyball team will host Montana State University-Northern in the Yellowjackets’ home-opener Thursday night.  Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Alterowitz Gymnasium.

The Yellowjackets are 1-3 after an opening weekend tournament in Mankato, Minnesota.  They defeated Bemidji State 3-0 for their only win of the weekend.  One of their losses was to No. 2 ranked South Dakota State.

MSUB is led offensively by senior setter Krissy Janney.  She is averaging 9.3 assists per game running the Jackets’ offense.  Her main targets so far have been sophomore outside hitter Olivia Munro and junior outside hitter Kari Gerretsen.  Munro leads the team with 64 kills (4.27 kpg) and has posted a .254 hitting percentage.  She also leads the team with seven service aces.  Gerretsen has recorded 50 kills (3.33 kpg).

Defensively, the Yellowjackets are anchored by senior Mandi Paulson and sophomore Joanna Peterson.  Paulson leads the team with 86 digs (5.73 dpg), with Peterson close behind at 75 (5.77 dpg). 

MSU-Northern enters Thursday’s contest at 3-5.  The Lights’ offense runs through two Billings natives.  Junior outside hitter Tanja Bruski leads the team with 81 kills and has a .218 hitting percentage, while sophomore setter Hannah Nutting has been credited with 325 of the Lights’ 340 assists.