Butte, Mont. – The University of Montana Western opened the 2018 season splitting four games over the weekend at the Big Sky Volleyball Challenge hosted by Montana Tech.

The Bulldogs got things started the right way with a four set victory over Multnomah University (25-23, 26-24, 22-25, 25-20). The Bulldogs were led by their seniors as libero Dylan Fowler had 27 digs and three service aces, outside hitter Kylie McCree led the team with 13 kills and six blocks, for a hitting percentage of 0.200, and Kyra Palmer and Kelsey Potter each had 10 kills apiece.

The seniors were not the only players contributing as sophomore McKenna Fink dished out 40 assists. While fellow sophomore Abagale Croninger had eight kills and a team-high eight blocks. The Bulldogs had four other players record double-digit digs. As a team they combined for 53 kills for a 0.172 hitting percentage.
 

The Bulldogs, who are battling injuries, which is limiting playing time and forcing players to play out of position felt the effects in loss to Evergreen State College in the second game of the day falling in straight sets (13-25, 17-25, 21-25).

True freshman Talyn Pitcher saw the floor for the first time in her college career and came away with 11 digs and two kills. Potter led the team with seven kills and added 12 digs, Fink had 21 assists, while Fowler had 15 digs.
 

The Bulldogs started day two of the tournament with an easy sweep of Dickinson State (25-14, 25-17, 25-17).

As a team, the Bulldogs had their best game of the season hitting the ball. Totaling 38 kills while combing for a 0.229 hitting percentage. Fink once again was on point totaling 35 assists with palmer being the primary benefactor dominating up front with 12 kills and a team-high 0.400 hitting percentage. Potter and McCree each added seven kills. While Fowler continued her defensive prowess with 28 digs.
 

In the final game of the tournament the Bulldogs fell to No. 15 Eastern Oregon in straight sets (14-25, 22-25, 18-25). The Bulldogs as a team struggled hitting the ball combined for only 17 kills while committed 16 hitting errors, for a 0.011 hitting percentage. Palmer led the team with five kills. Fink added 14 assists, and Fowler had 14 digs. 

"Overall, I am pleased with how we played, said head coach Brent Lewis. "We are battling some injury issues that have presented quite a few challenges for us, but the girls have responded very well. It is not easy to play out of position, and I give credit to those that have."

The Bulldogs (2-2) have a week to rest up and get healthy as they travel to Mitchell, S.D. where they will play Mayville State, Dickinson State, Mount Marty College, and Dakota Wesleyan in the Corn Palace Tournament on Aug. 31, and Sept. 1.