NNU vs. MSU Billings Boxscore
NNU vs. Univ. of Mary Boxscore

BILLINGS, Mont. - Lindsay Grant and Kailey Trautmann led the Northwest Nazarene University volleyball team today as the Crusaders defeated Montana State Billings and the University of Mary at the MSU Billings Invitational Tournament at Alterowitz Gym in Billings.

The Crusaders (6-4, 1-0 GNAC) started the day with a 25-18, 25-17, 19-25, 25-17 victory over the host Yellowjackets, not only winning the first tournament match, but also grabbing the first Great Northwest Athletic Conference match of the season.

Grant and Alaina Barber led the offense with 15 and 13 kills, respectively, and Cammy Dranginis chipped in with 10 kills and four blocks.  Grand led all defenders with a match-high 22 digs, while Amy Higginson (19) and Eki Punimata (18) continued to quarterback the NNU attack with a combined 37 assists.

Devon Crotteau led MSUB (4-4, 0-1 GNAC) with a match-best 22 kills, but the Crusaders were able to hold the 'Jackets to a .146 hitting percentage, forcing 23 attack errors.  Hillary Morrison led all setters with 40 assists.

NNU completed the day's action with a 25-16, 25-19, 25-13 non-conference win over the University of Mary as Kailey Trautmann led the Red and Black with 10 kills and 10 digs.  NNU hit .337 and held the Marauders to .084 hitting, allowing only 24 kills from UM.

Tomorrow NNU will face Northern State University at 9:00 a.m. and Dickinson State University at 1:00 p.m. in non-conference matches.