August 25, 2007

MSUB Volleyball Earns Split for Opening Weekend
MSUB/CSUP box score
MSUB/MSUM box score
Coach Schaub post game comments
MSUB Season Statistics

OMAHA, Neb. – For the second day in a row, Montana State Billings split two matches at the Nebraska-Omaha Classic, giving the Yellowjackets a 2-2 mark after the first weekend of the 2007 season.  MSUB swept Colorado State-Pueblo 30-24, 30-28, 30-27 in the morning before falling in four games to Minnesota State Moorhead 30-24, 30-27, 23-30, 30-25.

Against CSU-Pueblo, the Yellowjackets rode their two big hitters to the sweep.  Alicia Cazemier (Vauxhall, Alberta) pounded out 18 kills on a .389 hitting percentage.  She was also in on 10 blocks.  Devon Crotteau (Casper, Wyo.) added a dozen kills and dropped in five service aces.  Crotteau was also big on the defensive side of the net, picking up a match-high 14 digs.

The only game in which the Yellowjackets were threatened late was the third game.  In game one they broke from a 9-9 tie to lead by as many as eight.  In the second game the only point MSUB trailed was at 1-0.  The Thunderwolves looked to extend the match in the third game, leading 23-22 and forcing a tie at 27.  A Thunderwolves service error and a pair of Cazemier kills closed the game and the match.

Stefania Aladjova (Sofia, Bulgaria) handed out 32 assists and dropped in three service aces in the win.  Freshman Jennifer Boe (Casper, Wyo.) was in on eight blocks, and Nicole Kruse (Huntley) added 11 digs.  CSUP was led by Caitlyn Jewell’s 11 kills and seven blocks.

Cazemier and Crotteau again carried the load in the 3-1 loss to Minnesota State Moorhead.  Cazemier finished the match with 19 kills and seven blocks.  She also had a career-high 12 digs.  Crotteau knocked out 18 kills and picked up 19 digs.  Kruse posted a career-high 30 digs. 

Both teams posted 15 blocks in the match.  Along with Cazemier, Katrina Solomon (Billings) and Jessica Lechner (Pompeys Pillar) were each in on seven blocks.

Three Dragons reached double figures for kills, led by 14 each from Laura Tvrdik and Megan Norling.  Tvrdik also had six blocks.

The Yellowjackets hit the road again next weekend for the Days Inn-Denver West Oredigger Classic hosted by Colorado School of Mines.  At the four-match tourney, MSUB will face Colorado Mines, Mesa State, Western State, and Western New Mexico.