Mitchell, S.D., - The Montana Western Bulldogs split four games over the holiday weekend at the Corn Palace Tournament hosted by Dakota Wesleyan University.
The Bulldogs opened the tournament with a heartbreaking five-set loss to Mayville State University (26-24, 25-23, 20-25, 22-25, 14-16). Due to injuries the Bulldogs played the match without a libero. The switch didn't faze the defending Frontier Conference Defender of the Week as
Dylan Fowler recorded 26 digs, eight kills, and three aces.
Kelsey Potter picked up 12 kills, and 26 digs.
Kylie McCree (15),
Kyra Palmer (13), and
Ellen Wolferman (12) also recorded double-digit kills, thanks to the talents of
McKenna Fink, who set a career high with 55 assists.Â
The Bulldogs responded in the second game of the day, easily dispatching Dickinson State in three sets (25-21, 25-22, 25-19). Palmer and Potter led the way with eight kills each. Fink recorded 31 assists, and Fowler had 28 digs playing in her usual libero position.
Day two of the tournament started early and the Bulldogs picked up where the left off the day before, dismissing Mount Marty College in four sets (25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21). Fowler set a school record with 41 digs. Fink had 37 assists, Potter lead the way offensively with 13 kills, with
Jessica Weber adding 10. Fowler now hold every digs record at the university, and will continue to add to her legacy as the season progresses.Â
The Bulldogs closed out the tournament with a tough five-set loss to host Dakota Wesleyan (25-20, 16-25, 25-21, 17-25, 11-15). Five players recorded double digit digs for the Bulldogs lead by Fowler's 28. Fink had another impressive game with 50 assists. While Potter was one kill away from her career high of 21 kills. McCree and Wolferman each added 10 kills.Â
"I'm really impressed by this team and what we have been able to work through," head coach
Brent Lewis said. "We are still battling through some injury issues, but it hasn't slowed our play at all. That shows a lot about the character of our team."
The Bulldogs will head to Great Falls, Mont. to play in the University of Providence Best Western Heritage Inn Plus Fall Classic on Sept. 7 and 8. The Bulldogs will face Mayville State and Benedictine-Mesa. They will also face Medicine Hat College in an exhibition match.Â
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