After its two wins at home last week, the women?s volleyball team remains at the top of the Big Sky standings. The Hornets defeated the Montana Grizzlies three games to one on Thursday, (15-4, 15-12, 15-5, 15-6), and triumphed over the Idaho State Bengals on Friday, (15-4, 15-8,15-9).

After the emotional senior ceremony that highlighted the careers of fourth year seniors Kristi Lambert and Sarah Chlebana, the Hornets came out fast and furious in game one on Friday. The Hornets scored 12 unanswered points, including an ace by Olivia Thomas. The game ended with only 14 kills, and while Idaho State did manage to score the first point and put in an ace, it was not enough to challenge the contentious Hornet offense. In game two, the Bengals put up more of a fight. The Bengals started the match by scoring the first point. The Hornets quickly regained control and took an early lead, (5-4). The Bengals answered back with three straight points and closed the gap to one. After equal exchanges in points and aces by Thomas and freshman Lisa Beauchene, Idaho State tied up the score at eight, which was its last point of the game. The Hornets then took control and pushed its way to victory.

Equal lead shifts was the theme in the early minutes of game three. Idaho State started off the game again with an early 3-0 lead. Olivia Thomas then answered back with her third ace of the match, and helped the Hornets offense control most of the game. Idaho State had a late surge of energy, but could not keep it going long enough. Senior Sarah Chlebana served match point, and the Hornets won the match in three straight games. This being Chlebana?s final home game on the schedule, she remained optimistic about the possibility of another match in Hornet Gym.

“Who knows, we could host the (Big Sky) tournament,” she said. “It?s the end of the season and we?re peaking.”

If the Hornets stay on top of the standings they would host the conference tournament Nov. 16 through 18.

On Thursday against Montana, Tasman Dwyer had a team high of 14 kills, and Jayme Wright added 12 to contribute to the Hornet victory.

In game one, the Hornets jumped out to a 13-1 lead before closing the game 15-4. Montana only had 6 kills in 38 attempts.

Game two stayed close. Montana led 14-10, and had to bear 10 sideouts and two Hornet points before finishing the frame, 15-12.

The Hornets fought back in game three. They broke out from a 4-4 tie and scored 11 of the last 12 points of the game. In the fourth and final frame, the Hornets led all the way.

The final five points were scored from Esther Rogers? serves, and a pair of Dwyer kills finished the match.

The Hornets close out the regular season on the road this week. They face Northern Arizona tomorrow, and Cal State Northridge on Friday. The Hornets defeated both of these teams 3-0 at home earlier in the season.

“We need to win on the road,” head coach Debby Colberg said. “We are in charge of our own destiny.”