Jason Walker, UP Sports Information Director 

Great Falls, Mont. - With the preseason slate behind them, the University of Providence volleyball team turns its attention to Frontier Conference play as the Argos host Montana Tech Friday night at McLaughlin Center. Providence finished the preseason 7-11 but has won six of its last nine including a 2-2 weekend at the Frontier preseason tournament last weekend at Billings. Freshman Bella Thompson along with junior Jenna Thorne were named Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference Players of the Week after their performances in the Magic City.  

Thompson has stepped into the setter's role quite nicely and has been leading by example, something a freshman normally can struggle with. Thompson has her team behind her and that has shown on the court as of late. Thorne is starting to regain her NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) All-American play from last season and had arguably her best weekend of the year. Thorne averaged 3.88 kills/set and 4.44 digs/set in Billings, hitting .444 in the Argos match with MSU-Northern. Zoe Naugle is second in the Frontier with 82 blocks from her middle blocker role and has 105 kills. Naugle had 11 blocks against MSU-Northern.  

Tech is 12-6 and is led by senior outside hitter Maureen Jessop who leads the conference with 243 kills. Taylor Heller is tops in the nation with 92 blocks. The Orediggers are ranked 20th in the NAIA.  

Friday night is White-Out Night at the McLaughlin Center with all fans encouraged to wear white to support the Argos. The match starts at 7 pm. For live stats and to watch online, visit www.upargos.com.