Griz Suffer Defeat to League Leaders Away
In a competitive matchup, the Grizzlies faced off against the league-leading Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in Flagstaff. Although Montana claimed the first set, they ultimately fell to Northern Arizona in four sets. The Lumberjacks extended their home winning streak to ten games and remained unbeaten at home this season.
Match Highlights
- Final Score: Northern Arizona def. Montana, 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-15)
- Montana’s Record: 14-7 overall, 6-4 in Big Sky Conference play.
- Northern Arizona’s Record: 18-5 overall, 8-2 in Big Sky Conference play.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
The Grizzlies started strong, winning the first set 25-23. They showcased impressive offensive skills, recording 18 kills with only four errors. Montana’s hitting percentage reached .389 in the opening set, led by Delaney Russell, who had five kills, and Olivia LaBeau, who achieved four kills with no errors.
However, momentum shifted in the second set. The Lumberjacks capitalized on their home advantage and limited Montana’s offense, ultimately winning 25-17. Montana’s hitting percentage fell below .100 in this set, reflecting a struggle from the service line, with one ace against seven errors.
In the third set, both teams battled closely. Northern Arizona managed to pull away, closing the set 25-22. Their defense tightened, making it difficult for Montana to regain control.
The fourth set saw Northern Arizona solidify their victory, dominating the court with a 25-15 score. The Lumberjacks displayed consistent scoring and effective play, while Montana struggled to respond to their heightened performance.
Team Insights
Despite the loss, Grizzlies’ head coach, Allison Lawrence, highlighted positive takeaways. She praised the team’s preparedness and noted that they executed well during significant stretches of the match. Montana’s libero, Alexis Batezel, stood out defensively with 20 digs, anchoring the team’s back row.
Reflecting on the match, Lawrence expressed pride in her team’s resilience and learning process. She emphasized the need for growth and consistency moving forward and recognized that the Grizzlies possess the skills to compete with any team in the conference.
Next Challenge
Looking ahead, Montana will face Northern Colorado in Greeley, an opponent they’re eager to challenge after previously losing to them. The Grizzlies aim to break a 21-match losing streak against the Bears and will need to bring their best performance to secure a win.
The matchup against Northern Colorado serves as a crucial opportunity for Montana to build on the lessons learned from the loss to Northern Arizona. Coach Lawrence believes her team’s ability to respond and learn will be vital as they look to bounce back.
