First set comeback fuels MSUB win over Tigers

Editors note: This is a release from MSUB Athletics. CHADRON, Neb. – Facing set point in the first frame, the Montana State University Billings volleyball team staged a nine point comeback and used the momentum to defeat Fort Hays State University 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 25-17) Saturday at Chicoine Center in the Chadron State Tournament. The Yellowjackets (1-2) picked up their first regular season win of the fall and dropped the Tigers to a record of 0-3. MSUB trailed 24-17 in the first set, then saved seven set points to win 26-24. Bayli Monck helped save the set when she dove forward and slipped her right hand under the ball just before it could touch the ground at 24-22. The Yellowjackets successfully transferred the positive energy through the rest of the match and put away the Tigers 25-17 in the third set after Joelle Mahowald set up match point with a block. “That was a great team win,” commented head coach Casey Williams. “Hannah Hashbarger did a great job of moving the ball around and hot our attackers some good one on one looks. The team showed some relentlessness and overcame a deficit in the first set. I was proud of the way we played this morning.” The Yellowjackets put away 32 kills in the match set up by freshman setter Hannah Hashbarger, who had 25 assists. Maddi Vigil led the offense with 12 kills and a .242 hitting percentage. MSUB also had nine service aces, including three apiece from Hashbarger and Makayla Baca. Junior middle blocker Joelle Mahowald made three block assists. Seven players chipped in for 33 total digs and Baca had 14 to lead the squad. Delaney Humm posted 14 kills for Fort Hays State on .400 hitting. Abbie Hays had 11 digs and Katie Darnell had 18 assists for team leads in those respective categories. MSUB recorded 32 kills and allowed 46 to Fort Hays State. MSU Billings continued its surge of strong serving with nine service aces and two errors. By contrast, the Tigers had five service aces and 10 errors. MSUB out blocked the Tigers 5-2. THE BUZZ: Marissa Logozzo was named St. Vincent Player of the Game for the ‘Jackets. The freshman posted one service ace and six digs against the Tigers. UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets (1-3) play host Chadron State College in the final game of the tournament Saturday at 7 p.m.