BISMARCK, ND – The University of Mary volleyball team (1-0) kicked off the 2026 season in style, coming back to defeat Montana State University Billings (0-1) 3-1 in the opening match of the Marauders First Serve Invitational.
UMary recorded 49 kills on a .221 attack percentage, while MSUB posted 33 kills on a .087 hitting percentage. The Marauders had 49 assists and nine aces, and the Yellowjackets had 33 assists and eight aces.
The first set saw UMary struggle as MSUB won 25-16. The Marauders rallied back in the second set, defeating the Yellowjackets 25-18. UMary won six of the last seven points, including two kills by
Holli Klettheimer to clinch the set.
The Marauders would again see a strong close to the third set as UMary took five of the last six points to win 25-19. The fourth set was complete domination by the Marauders, winning 25-11. UMary put up 12 kills and had a .333 attack percentage in the final set, while MSUB had five kills on a -.087 hitting percentage.
The match finished with the Marauders posting eight blocks and 54 digs. The Yellowjackets recorded seven blocks and 46 digs.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Judith Burke led the Marauders in kills with 15 on an impressive .400 hitting percentage. Burke also recorded ten digs.
Natalie Boehmer dished out 44 assists to lead all athletes.
Karina Hixon had 12 digs to lead the team.
Holli Klettheimer posted a team-best five blocks to go along with seven kills, four digs, and two aces.
Dani Highum had 12 kills and ten digs.
Gabrielle Reynolds recorded 12 kills on a .258 attack percentage.
Ruby Rengo had two solo blocks and two kills.
UP NEXT
The Marauders take on Bemidji State University on Saturday, August 28, at 2 pm. UMary then comes back later in the day to challenge Black Hills State University at 7 pm.
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