Montana State-Northern advances to Frontier Conference Volleyball Tournament semifinals

HAVRE, Mont. - The Carroll Fighting Saints (No. 4 seed) faced a challenging contest in the Frontier Conference Volleyball Tournament presented by First Interstate Bank, ultimately falling to the host-team Montana State-Northern Skylights (No. 5 seed) with a score of 3-1. The match was held at the Armory Gym, showcased intense competition and skilled play from both teams. Carroll started off strong but was unable to overcome the Skylights in three out of four sets. Despite winning the second game 25-19, the Fighting Saints struggled against Montana State-Northern's formidable defense and were not able to maintain their momentum in subsequent games. Games scores were reported as 27-25, 19-25, 25-21, and 25-21. Key contributors to the Skylights' efforts included Alana Graves with 19 kills, Josie Hasler with nine kills, and Macee Murphy who impressively managed 31 set assists and added seven kills. Alyssa Pretty Weasel also made significant contributions with 13 kills. Defensively, MSU-Northern's Baily Egan stood out with a match-high 25 digs, supported by Macee Murphy with 18 and Brooklyn Minden with 11 digs. The match's key moments came as MSU-Northern clinched the final set with strong defense and strategic kills by their lead players, overcoming Carroll's spirited efforts. The tournament highlighted both teams' determination and skill, promising exciting future contests in the Frontier Conference. Avery Kelly led the Saints with 14 kills. MaKaila Balcom added 11 kills. Hannah Schweikert produced a double-double of 40 set assists and 10 digs. Julia Carr finished the match with 21 digs. Carroll finished their 2024 season with an overall record of 17-13. The Skylights (13-15 overall record) await for the next opponent in the Friday's evening semifinals session. No. 6 seed Rocky Mountain takes on No. 3 seed Montana Western at 1:30 p.m. The lowest seed remaining in the tournament will face the top-seed Providence in the first semifinal match tonight, followed by the highest seed remaining in the second semifinal match at 7:30 p.m.