GREAT FALLS, Mont. – A comeback rally in the first set almost turned the tide for Lady Argo volleyball, but with the set tied at 24, UGF gave up two points to Montana Tech, losing the set26-24 and eventually the match 3-0 (26-24, 25-14, 25-17). The two teams were tied in the Frontier Conference standings heading into the match.
 
The first set started as a close affair, but a 7-1 run from the Orediggers moved the score from a close 11-10 UGF lead to a confident 16-12 lead for Tech. Another 6-1 run brought the Orediggers to set points with the score standing at 24-16.
 
Answering back, UGF won the next eight points tying the set at 24 all and sending the McLaughlin center rocking. UGF couldn't keep it going though, letting up the next two points and losing the set 26-24.
 
Things unraveled a bit from there for UGF. Struggles the team's first touch passing game led to dramatic offensive struggles as the Lady Argo's hitting percentage dropped from 0.176 in the first set to -0.111 in the second and 0.094 in the third.
 
As those numbers dropped, Montana Tech's hitting percentages increased, putting more and more pressure on the UGF back line.
 
The Lady Argos were beaten in more statistical categories, holding the advantage only in total digs, 41-39. The biggest disparities were in blocks, 9-4 in favor of Tech, and aces, 9-5 in favor of Tech.
 
One bright spot for UGF as the offensive play of junior right side hitter, Mariah Diaz who had one of her most efficient offensive matches of her career at with the team. The transfer finished with 6 kills and 2 errors in 12 swings for a 0.333 percentage that ties her NAIA career high.
 
Senior captain Madison Wilhelm didn't have one of her best performances but battled through and still managed to lead the team in both kills (8) and digs (12) for the tenth time this season.
 
A big reason for the team winning the digs battles was senior libero Kennedy Chadwick. The team's other captain was right behind Wilhelm in digs with 11 and led the team with 3 aces while staying free of any reception errors.
 
The Lady Argos and the Orediggers were both tied in the conference standings heading into to match, and UGF now drops to sixth in the Frontier Conference with a record of 8-10 (2-3). UGF well get a break from conference play with its next match against Johnson & Wales University on October 14 at 4 p.m. in Billings, Mont.