SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Montana Western volleyball squad continued their unbeaten run as they faced off with the Park-Gilbert (Ariz.) Buccaneers in the final matchup of the OUAZ Invitational.
"I am really proud of how this team has stepped up early in this season," Head Coach
Katie Lovett said. "We played some really solid teams this weekend and were able to come out on top. They have worked hard and been very resilient in tight situations."
"This weekend, we really played together as a team and saw success in all aspects of the game, from the very first point to the last," redshirt sophomore
Taylor Petersen commented. "We are celebrating what we accomplished this weekend, but are heading back ready to work even harder and keep improving."
How It Happened
The Bulldogs surged to a quick lead in set one. With junior outside hitter
Jazi Smith and redshirt-junior middle
Danyel Martin's precision attacks, UMW rallied to win the first set 25-18. Park-Gilbert's final push was stunted when the Bulldogs capitalized on a serving misstep to claim the set.
Set two saw the Buccaneers match the Bulldogs step for step tying the game at 14. Despite the even start, the Bulldogs outscore Park-Gilbert 12-1 down the stretch.
Trailing initially in the third set at 4-1, the Bulldogs stormed back and showcased their resilience. A service ace for Petersen gave the Bulldogs an edge early at 6-5. The Bulldog's response ensured an end to the set on top at 25-16. The final nail was hammered in by a kill from Smith.
Notables
- All 18 Bulldogs contributed today's win, racking up 51 digs and 31 kills as a team.
- The Bulldogs capitalized on Park-Gilbert's 21 hitting errors, recording just 10 hitting errors of their own.
- UMW was led by Martin with eight kills and four blocks.
- Rylee Nickodemus, Kelsey Goddard, and Petersen each recorded two key aces in the match.
Up Next
The Bulldogs remain undefeated heading into the Valley City State Tournament in Valley City State, N.D. The Bulldogs will open with Valley City State (N.D.) on Friday September 8 at 2:30 p.m.
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