Skylights earn a split in Billings

After a 2-2 split on the opening weekend of the volleyball season, the Montana State University-Northern Skylights found themselves in a similar position in week two.

Northern was in Billings this weekend for the RMC/Tech Tournament, and like last week in Great Falls, the Skylights went 2-2 to run their overall record to 4-4 on the young season.

"I was pleased overall," MSU-N head coach Bill Huebsch said. "I thought we definitely improved from last week to this week. I saw a ton of improvement, so that was good."

On Friday, the Skylights opened the weekend in Billings with a three-game sweep of Walla Wall University. Northern beat Walla Walla by scores of 25-21, 25-11 and 25-10. Hillary Isliefson totaled 14 kills and Holly Cartwright had 13 digs, while Nahe Keanaaina had 25 assists and Victoria Polo added 2.5 blocks. Northern's second match on Friday was a heartbreak. The Skylights lost to Davenport University of Michigan in five games by scores of 25-18, 11-25, 25-20, 17-25 and 15-6. In that match, Keanaaina had 23 assists and five aces, Isleifson had 14 kills, Cartwright had 18 digs and Polo had three blocks.

On Saturday morning, MSU-N powered its way past Dickinson State by scores of 25-11, 25-15, 20-25 and 25-10. Kelsey Williams had 14 kills and three aces against the Blue Hawks, while Keanaaina had 30 assists, Cartwright 15 digs and Polo 2.5 blocks. MSU-N wrapped up play in Billings with a five-set loss to Dakota Wesleyn. The Skylights fell 19-25, 25-22, 25-20, 23-25 and 15-10. Williams had 10 kills and two aces, Isleifson had 13 kills, Keanaaina had 28 assists and Cartwright had 13 digs.

"Overall, I think we were consistently better this weekend," he added. I'm very pleased with this team. They are working hard and doing things to get better. And that's what we want to see this time of year."

The Skylights will wrap up nonconference play this weekend with four matches at the Dakota Wesleyn Tournament in Mitchell, S.D.