Spearfish, S.D. – The Black Hills state volleyball team lost its first two matches of the 2012 season at the NSU/Dacotah Bank Classic at Northern State on Friday, Aug. 31.

In BHSU's first match, the Yellow Jackets faced off against Minot State. BHSU lost in straight-sets (19-15, 23-25, 19-25).

"Against Minot State we were plagued with first match jitters. Our ball control was inconsistent and consequently we were not hitting on all cylinders," said head coach Sally Nichols.

Junior Amy O'Neill led the Yellow Jackets with eight kills and Caitlin Templeton added five kills. Defensive specialist Chloe Zimmer totaled 16 digs and Templeton added four blocks to anchor the defense.

The Yellow Jackets' second match of the day was against tournament-host Northern State. The Wolves won in straight-sets (25-21, 25-23, 25-17). The Yellow Jackets were led by Templeton's seven kills, two service aces and five blocks. O'Neill added five kills and Holly Hamlin helped the defense with four blocks.

"The second match of the day we began to see what our team is capable of. We passed well, we were firing on offense, and our blocks terminated plays," Nichols said.  "We came up short, yet we left the match excited to get back on the court and pick up where we left off."

The Yellow jackets will face off against Chadron State and Missouri Western on Saturday.

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