OREM, Utah –  Utah Valley University overcame the University of Montana, 3-2 (18-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-13, 15-9) in a five-set match at the UCCU Center in Orem, Utah, on Friday. Natalie Riggs finished with 16 digs along with four service aces to reach 100 for her Utah Valley career in the win.  

In the first set, the Wolverines and Montana (0-1) exchanged points early, with the score tied at 4-4. Montana then capitalized on consecutive Wolverine attack errors to take a 6-4 lead. Utah Valley responded with a 5-0 run, featuring kills by Avery Page and Bella Wooden, pushing the score to 9-6 in their favor. However, Montana regained momentum with a 7-0 run, highlighted by two service aces from Madeline Sanderson, to claim a 17-16 lead. Montana then extended their advantage, closing the set on an 8-2 run, sealing the set at 25-18.

In the second set, Montana started with a lead, capitalizing on an attack error by Olivia Gloeckner. The Wolverines responded with a kill from Gloeckner, assisted by Evalyn Chism, to tie the score at 1-1. Montana found momentum with a service ace from Alexis Batezel that contributed to a 7-7 tie. The Wolverines' Page then delivered a kill, leveling the score again at 19-19. Despite a strong performance with consistent kills by Page and a block by Wooden and Gloeckner, Montana secured the win.

The Wolverines started the third set strong with a 4-0 run, including a service ace by Natalie Riggs and a kill by Sami Blackett. Montana halted the momentum with a block, but Utah Valley quickly regained control with a kill by Page, extending their lead to 6-2. As the set progressed, Montana managed to tie the score at 9-9, aided by Russell's multiple kills. However, the Wolverines pulled away again with a late run, highlighted by three consecutive points from Blackett, who finished the set with a decisive kill, and a service ace by Riggs secured the 25-22 victory.
 
In the fourth set, the Wolverines opened with a point from Blackett. Utah Valley then mounted a lead with Alyssa Erickson in her UVU debut and Wooden contributing to reach 5-2. Utah Valley pulled away capitalizing on aces, and Grizzlie errors before the set with clinched with a block assist by Wooden and Steliyana Chakarova.  

In the fifth set, the Wolverines capitalized on early momentum, scoring four consecutive points to take a 5-1 lead, highlighted by kills from Erickson and Blackett. Montana briefly interrupted the Wolverines' run with a kill by Russell, but Utah Valley extended their advantage with a series of Montana attack errors and a kill by Page. Montana responded with a rally to cut the deficit, aided by Russell's offensive efforts. However, the Wolverines maintained control, concluding the set with a 15-9 victory, with Blackett contributing the final point off an assist from Lani Matavao.

Riggs had one of her best games at Utah Valley finishing with four aces, 16 digs which was one off a career-high for the Arizona native. Blackett and Page both finished in double-digits in kills with Wooden reaching nine blocks.

The Wolverines are back in action later this evening against the United States Naval Academy. First serve is slated for 7:00 p.m. MT from the UCCU Center in Orem. The match can be seen on ESPN+.