(Editor's note: MSUB Athletics release)
BILLINGS – Bayli Monck fired 22 kills and had 12 digs to spark a comeback leading to a 3-2 (21-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-11) win for in volleyball for Montana State University Billings over Rocky Mountain College at Fortin Center Monday night in non-conference play. With the ‘Jackets leading 12-9 in the deciding set, it was Monck who connected for three kills to put away the Battlin’ Bears and secure MSUB’s third straight victory. Maddi Vigil also had an impressive performance with 14 kills and 26 digs. Marissa Logozzo put up a season high 31 digs, the most by any MSUB player this season for a single match.
“We did a good job finding our way back into the match and I was proud of how we played in the end,” said head coach Casey Williams. “It took us a while to figure out RMC’s unconventional style of play. Bayli did a great job for us, especially in the fifth set and I think this match should give us a lot of confidence moving forward.”
The ‘Jackets fell behind early but a 5-1 run in the third set forced an 11-11 tie and eventually a set win 25-21. MSUB turned the score in their favor at 10-9 in the fourth and a late block by Eavan Taylor helped them achieve a 2-2 tie to force a decider. Both teams traded early blows but late kills by Monck, Skylar Reed, and Maddi Vigil were enough get the job done.
Hannah Hashbarger posted a career high 59 assists to set up the MSUB attackers. Joelle Mahowald hit .313 with 13 kills and three block assists and Eavan Taylor mustered 10 kills and 9 total blocks (1-8), tying the most by an individual player this season along with Monck.
With 69 kills in 205 attempts, MSUB set season highs for both categories. It was also the first time this season with 100 total digs. Natalie Hilderman had a season-high 48 assists on the night. Ayla Embry recorded 25 digs
Three players notched double figure kills for Rocky Mountain College. Daniella Russell hit .180 with 16 kills and Morgan Allen had 15 kills and hit .500.
The Yellowjackets hit .234 as a team compared to .193 for RMC. Vigil and Reed recorded two service aces apiece in contribution to MSUB’s total of seven.
Five players made it to double-digit digs including Logozzo (31), Vigil (26), Monck (12), Hashbarger (10), and Baca (10). Monck kept a point alive in the fifth set with a great dig at 7-7, helping put MSUB on top for the final time.
Monck was named St. Vincent Healthcare player of the game…The Yellowjackets have played three straight five-setters against rival Rocky Mountain College. MSUB is 1-2 over their last three meetings but lead the all-time series 38-23 in matches dating back to 1986…Vigil recorded her fifth double-double of the season and 28th of her MSUB career…Monck took home her third double-double this fall and now has six overall.
The Yellowjackets (4-7, 2-0 GNAC) continue their stretch of five matches in 10 days with University of Alaska Fairbanks on the road Thursday, September 26 at 11:30 a.m. Rocky Mountain College (10-5, 2-0 Frontier) returns to NAIA conference play Friday, September 27 at 7 p.m.
