EUGENE, Ore. – The third time was not the charm for the Beacons as they fell once again in the NAIA Opening Round, dropping a three-setter to Montana Tech, 25-23, 25-15, 29-27.
Bushnell held late leads in the first and third sets and were denied on a pair of set-points in the third as the No. 17-ranked Orediggers defeated the Beacons in the Opening Round game for the second time in four years. The Beacons have qualified for the NAIA tournament thrice over the past five seasons, but have been turned away in an opening road game to Frontier Conference schools each time.
Head Coach Jason Corwin said, "Hats off to Montana Tech. They didn't blink every time we got things going. We played some really good volleyball but just a little short to get the outcome we wanted. Although this hurts, we can be proud of this senior class and what they have accomplished the past four to five years. Our returners are hungry for next year and looking forward to taking this program through the next step of winning."
The Beacons out-blocked MT 10-6 in the game and senior middle blocker Brooklynn Dechent ended her career on a high note, posting a career-high eight blocks. The offense was led by junior Leah Agost (pictured) who hit .385 with a match-high 13 kills. Katie Belitz ended her season with 16 assists and Bella Parque closed her career with a team-high 16 digs. First-Team All-Conference hitter Hailey Heider posted a double-double with ten kills and 12 digs.
The Beacons were in good company on Saturday as the host teams for the opening round games went 22-2 across the country. Bushnell finishes the season with a record of 19-13. Montana Tech (20-10) advance to the NAIA final site in Sioux City, Iowa and will begin pool play on December 3.