Box Score MISSOULA, Mont. - The Southern Utah volleyball team started off this week of volleyball against the University of Montana. After gaining a 2-1 set advantage, however, the Grizzlies battled back and won the match in five sets.
The match started off on a positive note for the Thunderbirds as they jumped ahead to a quick 10-5 lead. Southern Utah was able to maintain the lead throughout the set until a block by
MaCail Evans and
Miranda Canez on set point won the set for the Thunderbirds 25-23.
In the second and third sets, each team stepped forward and took control of one. The second set was the highlight of the match for the Grizzlies. They had a .483 hitting percentage in the set. Furthermore, the combo of Missy Huddleston and Mykaela Hammer were strong at the net with both of them hitting at least 20 kills.
As a result, Montana won the second set 25-18.
In the third set Southern Utah was led by the duo of
Macky Fifita and
Anna Cox. Fifta had 15 kills with a .295 hitting percentage. Cox also hit double-digit numbers in kills with 10 and a .318 hitting percentage.
SUU won the third set 25-22
Down two sets to one, Montana kept fighting. The Grizzlies gained an early lead in the fourth set and remained in control for the majority of the set. However, a 6-1 run from the Thunderbirds brought the score to 21-20 in favor of Montana.
Montana then went on to win the next couple points and the set 25-20.
In the final set, the Grizzlies held onto the momentum they had gained from winning the fourth set. They won the deciding set 15-7.
Along with her 15 kills, Fifita also picked up 15 digs for yet another double-double this season.
Sarah Vang went on to pick up 11 digs at libero, and
Alexis Averett assisted on 37 of Southern Utah's 49 kills for match.
Moving Forward
The Thunderbirds final match this week will be against the Bobcats of Montana State. The match will begin at 7 p.m. MT on Montana's States home court in Bozeman, Montana.
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