By: Grace Knapp Staff Writer
Emotions ran high as Western’s volleyball team fought to stay alive against Montana State Billings (MSB) in their final home game of the season on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015.
With an incredible comeback victory, the Wolves overcame a two set deficit to surpass MSB in three straight sets.
The set scores were 15-25, 18-25, 26-24, 25-22 and 15-9.
The narrow victory over MSB (6-21, 5-13) boosted WOU’s ranking three spots in the GNAC, taking the Wolves (8-19, 5-13) from tenth to a 4-way tie for seventh with Seattle Pacific University, Montana State Billings and University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The Wolves started slowly and found themselves with their backs against the wall as they were down two sets.
Redshirt-freshman Amanda Short (OH) shifted the momentum of the game by blasting a kill to win the intense rally. Western would come out victorious in the third set to stay alive in the match.
Starting slow once again, WOU trailed MSU by five points for the majority of the fourth set.
However, two huge outside blocks and a kill by redshirt-sophomore Sydney Blankinship (MB) during a four-point scoring streak, led the Wolves to claim the set and even the overall match score 2-2.
The final set was crucial, and the Wolves brought their A-game. Short secured WOU’s victory by securing four straight points during a rally of eight straight points.
MSB fought back, closing the gap to 12-9, but ultimately could not compete. The Wolves finished the set with three straight points to win the overall match.
Head coach Brad Saindon is proud of the team’s performance against MSB. “In this match we really showed our true colors and showed what we’re made of,” said Saindon. “The girls fought hard and persevered.”
The volleyball team concludes their season on the road against Alaska Anchorage (24-2 overall, 16-2 GNAC) on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015.
