Diggers sweep past Dawgs

Montana Tech’s Sabrina Hopcroft keeps the ball in play Thursday night at the Straugh Gymnasium in Dillon. Also shown are Heather Thompson (7), Rachel Hadley (6), Karina Mickelson (12) and Masha Korol (15). (Photo courtesy Wally Feldt)

DILLON — For the second time this season, the Montana Tech volleyball team swept rival Montana Western in a Frontier Conference match.

Thursday, the Orediggers downed the Bulldogs 25-13, 25-22, 25-17 at the Straugh Gymnasium. (Stats)

Masha Korol smashed 13 kills to lead the way as the Orediggers outkilled the Bulldogs 42-25.

Karina Mickelson added 12 kills for Tech, which got eight from Heather Thompson.

Sabrina Hopcroft’s 19 digs led three Orediggers in that category. Korol tallied 15, and Mickelson collected 12. Korol also served three aces. Hopcroft served two.

Hannah Liss (24 assists) and Kamaile Moody (14) ran the Oredigger offense.

Abagale Croninger’s nine kills led the Western attack. Dylan Fowler grabbed 19 digs, and Karen Kale handed out 16 assists.

The Orediggers, who improved to 6-3 in conference and 14-13 overall, head to Rocky Mountain College for a showdown with the Battlin’ Bears Saturday in Dillon.

Western (1-8, 5-14) plays Sunday at home against Lewis-Clark State College.