(Editor's note: Montana Tech media release)
FULLERTON, Calif. -- Montana Tech opened up its 2019 volleyball season with two wins at the Hope International Summer Slam tournament.
The Orediggers swept both John Brown (Ark.) and La Sierra (Calif.) on Wednesday.
Montana Tech def. John Brown (Ark.) 25-22, 25-22, 25-15
Montana Tech opened up its 2019 season defeating John Brown (Ark.) in straight sets (25-22, 25-22, 25-15) in the Hope International Summer Slam tournament in Fullerton, California.
The Orediggers were locked in tight battles in both the first and second set with the Golden Eagles but rallied to take the sets.
In the third set, Montana Tech jumped ahead to a 12-5 advantage and capped off the match victory with a Karina Mickelson kill.
Mickelson led the way for the Diggers registering 10 kills and hitting for a .194 average. Sydney Parks registered eight kills and hit at a .615 mark. Sabrina Hopcroft led both teams with 16 digs.
Montana Tech hit for a .155 mark as a team while John Brown (Ark.) hit just .060 at the net.
Montana Tech (1-0) is now 6-2 in season opening matches under coach Brian Solomon.
Montana Tech def. La Sierra University (Calif.) 25-12, 25-17, 25-17
Montana Tech won its second match of the day and the season rolling La Sierra University (Calif.) in three straight sets 25-12, 25-17, 25-17.
The Orediggers dominated at the net posting a team hitting percentage of .312 to just .025 from La Sierra. Tech hit .375 and .385 in the first two set.
The Orediggers finished with 36 total kills to 20 by the Golden Eagles.
Junior outside hitter Karina Mickelson led the charge with 11 kills hitting .292 in the match. Gena McMillan finished with 8 kills and a .375 hitting percentage.
Sophomore Sydney Parks hit an efficient .444 with 5 kills from the middle and finished with 4 solo blocks and a block assist.
Freshman Maureen Jessop dropped 7 kills while hitting .250.
Montana Tech has a tougher slate for the final day of the Hope International Summer Slam Thursday. The Orediggers face No. 23 Westmont (Calif.) and (RV) Embry-Riddle.
