GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence volleyball program defeated Montana Western 3-1 Saturday afternoon.  

In the first set the Argos (12-8) jumped out to an early 4-1 lead behind a pair of kills from senior Zoe Naugle. The Bulldogs would respond by scoring five of seven points to bring the set within one. UP would answer immediately scoring the next four points courtesy of kills by juniors Nina Janjic and Allyah Tokelau. The Argos would maintain that edge taking the first set 25-17. Tokelau led the way for the Argos with four kills in the opening set.

UP jumped out in front again in the second set getting out to a 4-0 lead behind two kills by Naugle. Montana Western responded by scoring seven of the next nine to take a 7-6 lead. The Argos would score 10 of the next 13 points to take a 16-10 lead and would not look back taking the second set 25-16. Senior Jenna Thorne led the way for the Argos with five kills in the second. 

The Bulldogs got out to an early 10-5 lead and despite a late rally by the Argos, Montana Western took the third set 25-22.

The fourth set started off back and forth, but the Argos would score seven of eight to take an 11-4 lead. UP would maintain that advantage taking the fourth set 25-15 and the match 3-1.

The Argos had five hitters with double digit kills in the victory. Janjic led the way with 14 and Thorne added 13. Naugle and freshman Martyna Fiedler finished with 12 kills and Tokelau added 10 as well. Junior Nati Slazynska had 25 assists and sophomore setter Bella Thompson added 24. Defensively, senior Taylor Christensen had 25 digs and eight assists.

The Argos will be back in action Oct. 20 when they visit Montana Tech. The match is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. in Butte, Mont.