DILLON, Mont. - The Montana Western volleyball team (11-1) came out on top in tonight's matchup with the (RV) University of Providence.

"The team bounced back well tonight. They focused in on fundamentals and being disciplined," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. "I am proud of how they took on that challenge. Providence is a great team and this tournament is showing what great competition we have this year."

How It Happened
Jazi Smith kicked off her big game with a big kill early in the first set to push the Bulldogs to a 2-0 lead. Despite a short 3-0 grab from Providence to take a 9-6 lead, the Bulldogs exploded behind three straight kills and a big block from Smith and Peyton Vogl. Up 19-14, UMW continued to show resilience and outlasted the Argos down the stretch to win 25-22.

The Argos dialed back in for the second frame, opening the match with an 8-7 lead.  Swing from Smith and Kaitlyn Van Well helped put the Bulldogs up 9-8. Providence picked back up, riding behind a pair of attach errors and a kill from the Argos' Madysen Hoerner to take a 14-12 lead. Though trailing just one point following a service ace from Kaylee Fritz, the Argos rounded out the set with back to back points to win 25-23.

The Bulldogs rattled off five straight points in the third frame following a big defensive front that posted a pair of assisted blocks. With the Bulldogs up 16-9, Providence attempted a comeback but was stopped short by the pair of Vogl and Jordan Olson. UMW continued to bring the heat and finished on top 25-16.

The Bulldogs carried momentum over into the final set of the night, powering on to a 9-4 early set lead. A kill from Smith boosted the Bulldogs to an eight-point lead. An ace from the hand of Morgyn Harrison brought the score to 20-10. Danyel Martin and Smith paired for a block to end the game at 25-15.

Notables

• As a collective, the Bulldogs totaled 21 blocks, with Vogl totaling seven in the game. Olson followed just behind with six blocks.
• Smith led the match with 15 kills on a .211 attack percentage. Kaitlyn Van Well tallied a career high of nine kills (.316) and Martin added nine (.474).
• Fritz led the contest with 23 assists and Sophie Worden dealt a career high of 18.
• Kelsey Goddard totaled a team high of 23 digs. Three Bulldogs also recorded double digit digs (Smith (19), Kopp (14) and Fritz (10).

Up Next
The Bulldogs have a pair of matchups tomorrow. The first will be against No. 23 ranked Rocky Mountain College at 11 a.m. The second matchup will be against Carroll College at 6 p.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium.
 
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