BUTTE, Mont. – The Orediggers evened the score against the visiting (RV) Carroll College Saints in exciting fashion on Kelvin Sampson Court. It took all five sets as the Diggers win 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 21-205, 15-12.
Montana Tech (4-4, 16-9) wins their second straight. It was the first home game for the Orediggers since defeating Lewis-Clark State on September 19
th. The Orediggers are now 2-0 in conference action on their home court.
Carroll College (6-2, 15-10) loses their second straight.
The first set stayed close through five points apiece. The Orediggers rallied past the Saints on two kills from senior
Sydney Norris and Tech held on to the lead through the first stanza 25-19.
Both teams stayed tied through the second set until the 20
th point when Carroll took over. The Saints finished off the set 25-22.
Tech led much of the third set and by as many as nine points. Carroll shortened the lead to 24-21, but Tech would finish 25-21 taking a one set lead going into the fourth frame.
The Saints controlled the fourth set leading by as many as seven points winning the set 25-21 pushing the match to five.
The final set stayed close through six points each. After critical blocks by
Mariah Cooney and
Bailie Cortner, the Orediggers pushed ahead scoring four straight points. The Saints scored the next two points, but the Orediggers momentum would carry them through the finish line outscoring the Saints on the final points.
Sydney Norris turned in the best game of her college career at the net. She finished the match with 20 kills and just four errors. She also had 19 digs and two blocks on defense.
Three other Diggers hit double digits.
Bailie Cortner finished with 15 kills and just two errors hitting .429 in the match.
Karina Mickelson had 14 kills and
Jordan Danz chipped in 10. Danz also had 10 digs.
Makenzie Bauck had 57 assists and 19 digs.
Paige Montgomery had 17 kills for the Saints.
Montana Tech returns to their home court again tomorrow night. The Orediggers host the University of Great Falls Argos at 6 p.m.
