Lady Jackets Sweep Hilltoppers (10/14/06)
Box Score
Game Photos
Coach Matavao post game audio

BILLINGS, MT – The Montana State-Billings volleyball team posted a dominating 3-0 sweep of visiting St. Edward’s University on Saturday afternoon to remain unbeaten in Heartland Conference play.  After a hard-fought 3-1 win on Friday evening, the Jackets controlled the match from start to finish Saturday, winning 30-21, 30-19, 30-18.

The victory improved the Yellowjackets to 18-4 overall and 6-0 in the Heartland Conference.  With just four conference matches remaining, the Yellowjackets have clinched a spot in the Heartland Conference Tournament which they will host at Alterowitz Gym on November 3 and 4.  MSUB, currently ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Southwest Region, will have to hold off St. Mary’s University down the stretch for the top seed in the conference tourney.  The Rattlers are two matches behind the Jackets in the conference standings with a 4-2 record.  The teams will close out the regular season against each other in San Antonio on October 27 and 28.

The Yellowjackets were never in danger of dropping a game on Saturday and finished the match out-hitting the Hilltoppers .287 to .035.  Three different Yellowjackets reached double-digit kills, and MSUB had 27 more kills (53-26) than the Hilltoppers. 

“We did a lot of things today that we weren’t able to do last night,” said Yellowjacket coach Pa’ulasi Matavao.  “Our serving game was able to get them out of their offense a little bit.  We were able to get them out of their rhythm to get us a lot more down balls and free balls, and we were able to turn those into points.”

Jessica Bratton (Casper, WY) led all players with 17 kills on a .382 attack percentage.  Her 30 kills over the weekend moved her to within nine of tying the all-time school record of 1,288 career kills held by Olivia Munro.  Bratton is now sure to break the school record at home as the Jackets play their next three matches at Alterowitz, including next Tuesday’s match against cross-town rival Rocky Mountain College.

Ali Watson (Calgary, AB) finished with a dozen kills and 13 digs.  Alicia Cazemier (Vauxhall, AB) added 11 kills and was in on six blocks.  Senior Alexis Sandru (Twin Bridges, MT) chipped in seven kills and seven digs.

The Hilltoppers were led by 14 kills from Lindsey Douglas.  No other Hilltopper had more than four kills in the match.  Lauren Munselle picked up 11 digs, and Amy Johnson had six blocks.