CHADRON -- The Chadron State volleyball split on the final day of the Best Western West Hills Inn Eagle Classic on Saturday.
 
"I am really proud of the team this weekend, it was a complete team effort," Head Coach Jennifer Stadler said.
 
After being swept by the University of Sioux Falls in their first match Saturday, CSC responded with another thrilling five set victory over Montana State University of Billings.
 
Against Sioux Falls, the Eagles were held to an attack percentage of .048 compared to the Cougars .198. The Cougars won in straight sets, 25-16, 25-18, 25-22.
 
Kasandra Springer led USF with nine kills to lead both teams. Sophmore Chandler Hageman and freshman Rylee Greiman each had six for CSC. Allie Maloney had a match high 16 digs, while sophomore Karli Noble and senior Ashton Burditt had 14 and 12 digs, respectively.
 
After winning the first two sets but dropping the third and fourth against the Yellowjackets, Chadron State responded with a fifth set victory and the match 25-23, 25-16, 20-25, 23-25, 15-13.
 
CSC had three different players record double-digit kills. Sophomore Aracely Hernandez hit .300 with 15 kills, Senior Shelby Schouten recorded 14 kills with an attack percentage of .314 and Greiman finished with 11.
 
As a team, the Eagles hit .203 compared to MSU's .170.
 
Freshman setter Tori Strickbine set a new career high with 40 assists in the victory, while Burditt led the team with 29 digs. Strickbine recorded 19, Greiman and Noble each had 11 and junior Katie Thoeny recorded 10. Each also recorded three service aces.
 
Bayli Monck led both teams with 16 kills for the Yellowjackets and Hannah Hashbarger had a match high 46 assists.
 
"Our effort, resilience and energy was key this weekend, I thought we improved set by set," Stadler said. "There are still a few things that I would like to see cleaned up on our end but overall I think we had a great start to the season."
 
Chadron State travels to Hays, Kansas, next weekend to participate in the Fort Hays Fall Tournament.