October 18, 2007

Jackets Down Seawolves 3-1
Box Score
MSUB Season Stats
Game Photos

BILLINGS, Mont. – A balanced attack carried MSU Billings to a 3-1 win over Alaska Anchorage in GNAC volleyball on Thursday.  Four players knocked down double-digit kills for the Yellowjackets, who improved to 14-7 overall and 7-5 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference with the 30-28, 19-30, 30-18, 30-16 win.

“We came out ready for a win and took care of business,” said Yellowjacket head coach Sara Schaub.  “In game two, we got a little complacent and became almost spectators watching what was going on.  After game two, I really liked the way my team came out really strong in games three and four for the match win.”

With the exception of the second game, the Yellowjackets were in control for much of the match.  MSUB jumped to a 7-1 to open the match and had to hold on for the two point win.  After five game points, Jessica Lechner’s (Pompeys Pillar) kill finally put an end to the game and gave MSUB a 1-0 lead.

The second game belonged to the Seawolves (5-13, 1-11), who broke from a 7-7 tie to win going away.  Anchorage hit a blistering .387 in the game as the Yellowjackets were unable to stop the Seawolves at the net.  Five of UAA’s 11 blocks in the match came in game two.

After the intermission, the Jackets were in complete command, out-hitting the Seawolves 28 kills to 17 in the final two games.  UAA posted a negative attack percentage in the third game and never recovered.  MSUB cruised in the fourth and final game, posting 18 kills with just two errors for a .421 attack percentage.

Devon Crotteau (Casper, Wyo.) led all players with 17 kills and also added 11 digs.  Lechner and Alicia Cazemier (Vauxhall, Alberta) each had 14 kills.  It was a career high for Lechner.  Jennifer Boe (Casper, Wyo.) finished with 10 kills and nine digs.

The Seawolves benefited from 18 Yellowjacket service errors, although they also gave up 13 aces.  Joanna Johnson knocked down 14 kills, and Rachel Kidwell added 10.  Kim Stolk was strong at the net with 10 blocks.

The Yellowjackets host Alaska Fairbanks on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Alterowitz Gym.  The GNAC match will feature a special presentation during the intermission.  The Jackets’ 2006 Heartland Conference Championship banner will be raised, and all members of the 2006 team are expected to be in attendance.