Yellowjackets 3, Marian 1

SUPERIOR, Wis.: On the second day of the 2018 Stinger Classic the Yellowjackets proudly took home court for a competitive and long rallying match against the Marian University Sabres, a team they swept aside in three sets less than 24 hours earlier. Things were a little closer Saturday, but the result was the same as the Yellowjackets once again took down the Sabres in straight sets, winning by scores of 25-19, 25-20, and 25-21.

Beginning with the first set, both teams battled for possession and an early lead. The Sabres took advantage of their string hitter and began pulling away, but the Yellowjackets found their feet with a kill from Taylor Howe (Webster, Wis./Webster) putting points back on the board and getting the Yellowjackets within one at 4-3. The excitement didn't end there - a textbook dig by Karlie Leif (Bemidji, Minn./Bemidji) set up Cami Sletta (Willmar, Minn./Willmar) for a kill that shook the gym and tied the score. After several long volleys, the Yellowjackets built a steady lead of 17-15. After bullet of a kill by Brylee Colligan (Bemidji, Minn./Bemidji) added to the lead, and following an error that gave the Yellowjackets a five-point lead Marian called a timeout with hopes of catching up, but the Yellowjackets persisted and lengthened their lead 22-17. Marian called another timeout with hopes of icing the 'Jackets, but it wasn't to be and the home team pulled out the first set.

The second set consisted of long rallies and close points as both teams wrestled for points and momentum early. The Yellowjackets challenged the net and came out successful with game changing kills by Howe, Sletta, and Ashlee Bayer (Cameron, Wis./Cameron), giving them a slight lead of 15-14. The Yellowjackets strengthened their lead with a strong presence on the net and mistakes by the Sabers. The Yellowjacket defense continued to shine, which in turn, helped their hitters continue to pound the ball over the net, leading to another set victory and a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.

In the third and final set, the Yellowjackets were off to a hot start thanks to their defense and strong hitters. Kills from Howe, Bayer, and Anna Ribich (Biwabik, Minn./Mesabi East) had the gym roaring with excitement as the Yellowjackets moved ahead 18-13. Nevertheless, the Sabres weren't going to go down easy, as they battled back to close the gap to 23-21. But any excitement was short-lived as the Yellowjackets finished the match with an ace by Colligan.

For the second time in as many days Bayer led the charge for the Yellowjackets, leading the team with 11 kills. As a team the Yellowjackets attacked at a .248 clip. Emily VerWay (Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley) was her usual self, posting 36 assists and also contributing eight digs. Colligan led the balanced team defense with 11 digs.

The Yellowjackets also won an exhibition match against Lakehead University of Thunder Bay, Ontario earlier in the day by a score of 3-0.

Up Next: The Yellowjackets (5-3, 0-0 U.M.A.C.) look to continue their winning ways and stretch the winning streak to five when they take to the road to tangle with UW-River Falls. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 11.