Jason Walker, UP Sports Information Director 

Great Falls, Mont. - One game, one weekend does not a season make, and the University of Providence volleyball team has taken that to heart. After starting the season 0-5, the Argos have since won five of nine including four of the last five to see their record improve to 5-9 overall. Providence had a four-match win streak snapped Saturday in a tough five-set loss to Valley City State at the Frontier/North Star Crossover last weekend at Havre. A big part of the turnaround has been the defensive play of Taylor Christensen who was outstanding recording 134 digs in 5 matches. The sophomore from Belgrade has settled into her defensive role says Providence Head Coach Arunas Duda, "She definitely got a little more comfortable. She puts herself into position to make more defensive plays and has really improved in the last couple of weeks." 

Providence has played with confidence with Duda saying the team is in a much better position than two weeks ago, and if the team can continue that kind of improvement, he likes their chances towards the end of the season. There is a long way to go and that includes this weekend in Billings. The Argos will get their first look at Frontier Conference opponents across the net at the annual Frontier Preseason Tournament. As Duda explains, the mindset of the Argos is one of understanding what it takes to get wins, "When it comes down to it, there is a lot of pride that should go into these matches. There is no pressure anymore to win, now it is playing for pride especially in a situation like this (tournament.) It really does not matter if we win or lose but it does for the players and coaches." 

Providence will open the preseason tourney with Montana Western Thursday and the Bulldogs are coming off a nice weekend of their own, going 4-0 in Havre. Montana Western started the season with seven straight losses but has turned that around winning five straight. Jazi Smith leads the team with 122 kills with Kaylee Koop right behind her with 109. Current Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference Setter of the Week Kaylee Fritz has posted 345 assists while the Dawgs have 46 blocks from Peyton Vogl. The Argos counter with an equally potent arsenal led by Jenna Thorne who tallied 87 kills in the Havre tournament including three straight 20+ kill matches. Bella Thompson has settled in nicely in her setter's role as well.  

Providence and Montana Western will face off Thursday at 5 pm at the Fortin Center on the campus of Rocky Mountain College, then will face Carroll College and Rocky at 11 am and 5 pm respectively Friday. The Argos close out the preseason Frontier tourney Saturday with a 3 pm match against MSU-Northern.  

For live stats and to watch, visit www.upargos.com.