The Montana State University-Northern Skylights battled Carroll College through five competitive sets Saturday evening before falling to the Saints, 3-2, at the Carroll PE Center.
Northern dropped the opening two sets, 25-23 and 25-19, but responded with a strong push in the third and fourth sets to force a decisive fifth. The Skylights captured the third set 25-21 before edging Carroll 25-22 in the fourth. Carroll ultimately prevailed 15-12 in the fifth set to claim the Frontier Conference victory.
The Skylights were led offensively by
Josie Hasler, who finished with 14 kills and 22 digs.
Macy Uffelman added 13 kills, 14 digs and a service ace, while
Caleigh Case contributed 11 kills and a team-high four total blocks.
Northern's offense was directed by
Emily Bird, who recorded 27 assists, while
Addison Falls Down added 20 assists.
Kambria Maloy anchored the defensive effort with a match-high 31 digs.
Northern finished the match with 54 kills and hit .155 as a team. The Skylights also recorded eight total blocks and 92 digs. Carroll finished with 70 kills, 106 digs and a .161 hitting percentage.
After falling behind early, Northern showed its resilience in the third set, hitting .238 while limiting Carroll to a .128 attacking percentage. The Skylights carried that momentum into the fourth, overcoming a tight late-set battle to force the deciding fifth frame.
The final set remained close early, but Carroll was able to pull away late and secure the 15-12 victory.
With the loss, Northern moves to
5-3 overall and 1-1 in Frontier Conference play, while Carroll improves to
8-2 overall and 3-0 in conference action.
The Skylights return to action Wednesday, September 9, when they host the University of Providence at 7 p.m. in Havre.
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