VALLEY CITY, N.D. — The Bulldog volleyball team continued on with its historic start to the season after they won their eighth straight game to start the weekend in Valley City, N.D.
"I am really proud of how the team finished and showed a lot of perseverance today. Things did not always go our way, but everyone stepped up when we needed it most," Head Coach
Katie Lovett said. "We played two really tough teams with scrappy defenses and explosive offenses. Being able to play opponents like that only helps up get better."
Montana Western's 8-0-win streak is now the third longest in school history. The record is held by the UMW volleyball team from 1998 when they won 15 games in a row.
"I am so proud of how we all came together to get some wins. We all know what we are capable of and are so hungry to win and prove ourselves", junior libero
Kelsey Goddard said. "Being able to thrive under pressure and finish matches is something we strive to do this season and we are excited to see what else we can accomplish."
How It Happened vs. Valley City State
The Bulldogs took a narrow set one lead at 5-4 behind a pair of aces from
Morgyn Harrison and
Peyton Vogl. Despite the quick jump, the Vikings went on a 9-0 scoring run that propelled them to a set one victory over the Bulldogs at 25-12. The Bulldogs struggled behind a -.074 hitting percentage in set one and posted seven hitting errors.
Though trailing early in set two, a block from
Danyel Martin and
Kara Pospisil got the Bulldogs back in the game. A 7-2 scoring run that featured a pair of kills apiece from
Jazi Smith and
Peyton Vogl put the Bulldogs on top at 11-8. Late in the set, the Vikings held the edge over the Bulldogs at 23-20. Despite the deficit,
KayLee Kopp lit a fire with a kill and
Taylor Petersen posted back-to-back aces to tie it at 23. Smith and Pospisil's final kills helped cap a set two victory for UMW at 27-25.
Smith had three straight kills for the Bulldogs as they took a 12-11 lead on the Vikings. Though the Vikings tied it up shortly after, the Bulldogs went on a quick 4-0 scoring run that saw Vogl post two kills and
Jordan Olson tab her own solo block. UMW would remain on top for the remainder of the set, winning 25-20.
The Bulldogs held on to win the final set 25-22, outhitting the Vikings .326 to .209 in the set.
How It Happened vs. Mayville State
Mayville State jumped out to an early 6-0 lead in the first set. Vogl notched a kill that broke the scoring run. Despite putting up two points, Mayville continued to have the edge, taking a 9-2 lead. Despite glimpses of hope, the Bulldogs would fall in set one to the Comets 25-20.
The Bulldogs took an early 3-2 lead in the second set behind a pair of kills from Vogl. Mayville answered with a pair of kills of their own and overtook the lead at 8-5. A key timeout switched momentum and the Bulldogs regained the lead and gained some separation from the Comets after a block from Olson and Vogl put the Bulldogs up 13-10. The Bulldogs closed out the set on top 25-19.
The Bulldogs came out fighting in the third set, taking the first points of the set. Smith served the Bulldogs to a 16-9 lead. Martin and Olson led a block party in the final points of the set and the Bulldogs won easily at 25-17.
The Comets came out swinging and took on a quick 14-8 lead. UMW fought from behind and overtook Mayville following kills from Kopp and Martin. A pair of aces from Petersen added to the lead as UMW led 19-16. Olson found her timing and posted back-to-back solo blocks on the Comet offense. Martin put the final nail in the set with a kill to put UMW on top 25-22.
Notables
- The Bulldogs (8-0) outhit Valley City State (N.D.) .248 to .210, racking up 11 more kills than the Vikings in the match. The Bulldogs then went on to outhit Mayville State (N.D.) .221 to .110 hitting in the second match.
- Kopp and Smith led the Bulldogs in both matchups today. Kopp totaled 27 kills between the two matchups, along with 26 digs. Smith totaled 24 kills and 26 digs on the day.
- Goddard continued to show excellence in the back row, totaling 39 digs across the two matches.
- Kaylee Fritz led the Bulldogs with 48 assists between the pair of games.
Up Next
The Bulldogs are back in action tomorrow with the final day of the Valley City State Tournament. They will take on Dickinson State (N.D.) at 8:30am. They will then play the University of Winnipeg at 1:30 p.m. to round out the weekend.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @UMWBulldogs
Instagram: @umw_bulldogs
Facebook: /Montana-Western-Athletics
#GOBULLDOGS
