KEARNEY, Neb. – The Black Hills State University volleyball team split a set of matches on Saturday defeating the University of Mary in the second match 3-2 and losing in the first match to the University of Nebraska-Kearney 3-0.

Game 1: Nebraska-Kearney 3 BHSU 0

Black Hills State lost momentum as the University of Nebraska-Kearney dominated the floor taking the match 3-0. 

The Lopers ended the match quick taking all three sets 25-15, 25-18, and 25-11.

The second set, the Yellow Jackets were hanging tough keeping it close only trailing by one at 11-10.  The Lopers picked up momentum from there to increase the lead to win by seven, 25-18. 

"Kearney is a very talented and disciplined team.  We played scared and gave them too many opportunities without taking advantage of ours," said head coach Kristin Carmichael

Ellise Lech stepped up on offense as she recorded eight kills and a .167 hitting percentage.  Alongside Lech, Brynn Eckhardt had 23 assists.

Lacy Stevens registered 14 digs and Fehrin Ward registered five blocks.

"It's disappointing to have fought so hard yesterday to play with a lack of urgency and spirit today," stated Carmichael.

Game 2: BHSU 3 Mary 2

The Yellow Jackets fought hard to defeat the University of Mary in five sets, winning the match 3-2.

The University of Mary took sets one and three, while the Yellow Jackets took sets two, four and five.  The sets went as follows: 25-19, 25-21, 28-26, 25-22 and 15-12. 

The University of Mary pushed the Yellow Jackets as they came out strong in the first set getting up to a seven-point lead, 10-3.  The Yellow Jackets pushed to cut that lead in half but it was not enough to surpass the Marauders as they won 25-19.

The second set, the Marauders made a strong push to get out to a five-point lead but that wasn't enough to stop the Yellow Jackets from tying it up at seven-all.  Black Hills State was able to get up to a four-point lead, 11-7, until the Marauders started closing in.  The teams started trading off points at 11-all until the Yellow Jackets went on a five-point run leading the set 21-17.  That was just enough for Black Hills State to win it 25-21.

The fourth set, the Yellow Jackets battled hard trading off points until seven-all when they finally gained control and kept the lead pushing to a fifth set.  The Marauders threatened to take the lead as they were down by one at 14-13 but were unable to surpass the Yellow Jackets.  Black Hills State took the set 25-22.

"We are learning how to finish and push late in sets and matches. We've had an outstanding defensive tournament (24 team blocks this last match)," said head coach Kristin Carmichael.  "We still have to work on scoring points on the offense. Great team win with several members contributing."

Danielle Torpey contributed huge on offense registering 19 kills with a .319 hitting percentage.  Alongside Torpey, Brynn Eckhardt registered 42 assists. 

Leading the defense, Lacy Stevens registered 28 digs.  Helping out alongside Stevens, Cheyenne Palu registered 15 blocks, one solo 14 assists, to help lead to the Yellow Jacket victory.  Fehrin Ward was right beside Palu as well registering 10 blocks.

Black Hills State improves their record to 2-5 on the season.

The Yellow Jackets return home to make their conference debut on September 16 against Adams State at 7 p.m.