Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information
NEW ORLEANS, La. — The no. 15 ranked Montana Western women's volleyball team (5-2) claimed their third five-set win this season after they took down (RV) Texas Wesleyan this afternoon.
Jazi Smith had a monster game, leading the Bulldogs with 17 kills, 16 digs and an ace in the match.
How It Happened
Montana Western got out to an early lead in the first set following a 9-2 scoring run early in the set. Kills from Danyel Martin and Jazi Smith added to the 16-8 Bulldog lead. With UMW up 24-13, Texas Wesleyan provided a glimpse into the rest of the match after they battled for five straight points before falling in the set to the Bulldogs 25-18.
Jordan Olson got UMW back on track early in the second set and Smith served the Bulldogs to an 11-7 lead. The Rams refused to give in and tied the game back up at 15 before pushing to a 17-16 lead. A service ace for Kaylee Fritz followed by kills from Peyton Vogl and Olson gave the Bulldogs a 23-19 edge. The Rams then secured momentum and outscored UMW 7-1 to take the second set 26-24.
The third set proved to be a power struggle early on. A block from Martin and Maxine Hoagland tied the third set at 18 apiece, but the Rams continued on to take the third 25-21 after the Bulldogs totaled just nine total kills in the set.
With no room for error, the Bulldogs came out on fire in the fourth frame. Three aces from the service line from Taylor Petersen fueled a massive run that put UMW out 19-6. The Rams finally were finally able to put two points together in a row but still trailed 23-11. A 5-0 run for the Rams forced a Bulldog timeout and Martin capped the game with a kill from the middle.
The fifth frame proved to be evenly matched, with neither team taking more than a two-point lead throughout the entire set. Needing extra points to finish the game, the Bulldogs gained a boost from Smith and Vogl to finish the win at 19-17.
Notables
Two Bulldogs hit double digits in kills, with Smith leading the way with 17 kills. She also added an impressive 16 digs, three blocks, and an ace. Olson followed with 10 kills and a pair of blocks.
Petersen had a season high 26 assists with three aces.
Kelsey Goddard added to her season total with 30 digs in the match.
Hoagland had a career high three blocks in the game.
Up Next
The Bulldogs move to 5-2 this season and will travel to the OUAZ Invitational next weekend to play a slate of three games in Surprise, Ariz. before hitting the Frontier Conference gauntlet.
Their first game is scheduled for Aug. 30 at 4 p.m. against (RV) Embry Riddle (Ariz.).
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