Montana State University-Northern remained unbeaten to open the 2026 season Friday afternoon, battling past Indiana University East in a four-set thriller, 25-21, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, at the Butte Civic Center.
The Skylights improved to 3-0 on the season with the victory, while Indiana East dropped to 2-4. Despite Indiana East finishing with advantages in total kills, blocks, assists and digs, Montana State-Northern found a way to win the crucial points and close out the match in four sets.
Montana State-Northern took control early, edging the Red Wolves 25-21 in the opening set. The Skylights then survived a tight second set, 25-23, to take a 2-0 lead into the break.
Indiana East answered in the third set, hitting .262 and holding off the Skylights 25-23 to extend the match. Montana State-Northern responded in the fourth, however, closing out the contest 25-20 to secure the victory.
Caleigh Case paced the Skylights offensively with 10 kills, while
Josie Hasler added nine kills and eight kills came from
Addison Falls Down.
Kendall Scheffelmear contributed six kills and three blocks, while Case also recorded three blocks.
Emily Bird directed the Montana State-Northern offense with 27 assists and added 15 digs. Falls Down finished with 15 assists and two service aces, giving the Skylights a balanced attack throughout the match.
Defensively,
Kambria Maloy was instrumental in the victory, recording a team-high 22 digs. Hasler added 12 digs, while Bird finished with 15. The Skylights also recorded six team blocks and six service aces.
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Indiana East was led by Payton Schultheis, who recorded a match-high 15 kills, while Elaina Wehrman added 11 and Amyra Lockett finished with 10. Abby Herman led all players with 27 digs, while Olivia Barber posted 43 assists.
The victory gives Montana State-Northern a 3-0 start to the 2026 campaign. After opening the season with three consecutive victories, the Skylights will look to carry their momentum into their next contest on August 28Â in Lewiston, Idaho.
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