Jackets eaeger to open GNAC play

Posted: Sep 13, 2012 2:21 PM by Q2 Sports

Billings - After playing tournaments in Hawaii and Colorado, MSUB's volleyball women are ready to dive into Great Northwest Athletic Conference play under new head coach Lisa Axel. Despite experiencing early growing pains of learning a new system the Jackets have won three straight.

Slow starts were a common theme that plagued MSUB throughout the Honolulu Invitational. But the Jackets answered strong in the CSU-Pueblo Volleyball Classic. After losing their first game in four sets, the Yellowjackets won a tough five set match against Adams State College and swept both Eastern New Mexico University and University of New Haven in straight sets.

The victory over Adams State was the first of coach Axel's tenure. Sweeping the Greyhounds and Chargers in three straight sets leaves MSUB with a little momentum entering GNAC play.

Erin Compton and Monica Grimsrud earned selections to the CSU-Pueblo Volleyball Classic All-Tournament Team. With 89 total digs and seven assists Compton's defense was instrumental on the team's success. Grimsrud led the offensive attack with 58 total digs. She also had 10 blocks and 27 digs on the weekend.

MSUB heads west for their first pair of conference games facing Western Washington Friday at 7:00 p.m. Saturday they're at Simon Fraser. Last season MSUB swept Simon Fraser but lost both matches against Western Washington. The Vikings are anked No. 14 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association national poll.