Yellowjackets Swat Battlin’ Bears, 3-1

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BILLINGS, Mont. – In front of the largest crowd this season, Montana State Billings used a steady attack and balanced scoring to defeat its cross town rival, Rocky Mountain College, 3-1 (25-20, 22-25, 25-19, 25-21) Tuesday night at Alterowitz Gymnasium.

“Looking at the last match between us, we were steadier this time, emotionally and physically,” head coach Steve Smith said. “We were able to keep our composure throughout the match, even though they kept coming at us. We beat a really a talented team tonight and I’m just really happy with the overall result.”

Devon Crotteau set the pace for the Yellowjackets, using 16 kills and 13 digs for another double-double. Jen Boe also recorded the double with 14 kills and 14 digs, while libero, Jill Trabing, recorded a match-high 18 digs. Hillary Morrison ended the night with 43 assists and 11 digs and Melissa Porter had six blocks.

The first set got off to an ugly start as neither team took control until midway through the set. Trailing 18-17, the Yellowjackets got a spark from Crotteau who recorded back-to-back spikes and then received a gift from the Bears with an attacking error by Jessica Overstreet. At 22-20, MSUB closed the door on the set with kills by Crotteau, Hannah Johnson and Boe.

Rocky tied the match with a victory in the second set, but after the break MSUB regained its composure and started off the set leading 6-3. Rocky kept the set close but with the score at 17-17, an attacking error from Sara Brunner gave the Yellowjackets the momentum. Kills by Jody Lutz and Porter spread the lead to three, 21-18. The set ended with a pair of kills from Porter and Boe as well as a service ace from Morgan Moss.

Leading 2-1 in the match, the Rocky fans tried to get behind their team, but the Yellowjacket faithful were there to match the enthusiasm. As the fourth set got under way, MSUB once again jumped out to a 9-4 lead after a kill from Johnson. Rocky would tie the match at 11-11 but was unable to take the lead in the set. Hitting just .188 for the set, MSUB was able to hold Rocky to a .020 hitting percentage and closed out the match on a Boe kill and an attacking error by Marni Magnuson.

Rocky (15-7) was led by Jillian Stanek’s 10 kills, while Ashley Welborn finished the match with a team-high 17 digs and seven kills. Kristin Barott led the team with 33 assists. As a team, the Battlin’ Bears hit .103 for the match with 45 kills, 71 digs and 14 blocks.

MSUB (11-8, 4-3 GNAC) hit .175 as a team and finished the match with 55 kills, 80 digs, six service aces and 11 blocks.