VALLEY CITY – Valley City State volleyball opened its 2019 season Thursday night against Montana-Western Thursday night at the Big Sky Challenge in Butte, Montana.

Montana Western played its way to a three-set victory over the Vikings. Valley City State started out strong in set one but ultimately fell to Montana Western 25-21.  The Bulldogs gained momentum and took sets two and three, 25-19 and 25-14.

Valley City State opens the season 0-1 while Montana Western improves their record to 1-1. Valley City State will play three more matches Friday and Saturday at the Big Sky Challenge.

Freshman Caitlyn Fishbach tallied nine kills and hit .533 Thursday night to lead the Vikings. Returner Katie Juarez also tallied nine kills for the match. Freshman Alexa Walby led the Vikings in the assist column, recording 12.

Senior DS Charlotte Huschka led the defense with 15 digs, followed by Reagan Ingstad with 10. Ingstad also recorded nine assists for the Vikings.

The Bulldogs were led by Morgan Stenger with a team-high 9 kills and Abby Morgan who tallied five kills and seven blocks. Cady Siemion showed a strong all-around performance, recording 18 digs, six kills, and two blocks. Madison Richtmyer recorded 17 assists and two service aces for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs outhit the Vikings .272 to .027 and recorded 10 team blocks compared to just one for Valley City State.

Up next: Valley City State (0-1) continues at the Big Sky Challenge Friday taking on No. 21 University of Providence at 2 p.m. and Montana State University-Northern at 8 p.m.