Alaska Nanooks Beat Montana State Billings 3-1 to End 2026 Season

The Alaska Nanooks concluded their 2026 volleyball campaign on a high note, securing a 3-1 victory over the Montana State Billings Yellow Jackets in Billings on Saturday, Nov. 14.

This result brings the Nanooks to a final season record of 12-16 overall and 4-14 within the GNAC, as reported by Alaska Nanooks Athletics.

The match began with a challenge for the visitors. Montana State Billings claimed the opening set 25-16, hitting at a .200 clip while holding the Nanooks to an even hitting percentage. The momentum shifted decisively in the second set. Alaska tightened its defensive front and sharpened its offensive execution, posting 11 kills to overcome the Yellow Jackets and secure a 25-17 win to tie the match.

The Nanooks maintained their upward trajectory throughout the third set. Alaska recorded 15 kills on a .333 hitting percentage, effectively forcing the Yellow Jackets into a negative hitting percentage. After building an early lead, the team pushed through a series of runs to take a 25-18 victory, moving ahead 2-1 in the match.

The final set saw the Nanooks start with immediate intensity, establishing a 12-4 lead. Despite a late push from the hosts, Alaska remained in control, closing the match with a 25-18 win. The final set featured key contributions from Presley Engelauf and Cori Leavitt, who provided the kills necessary to end the match.

The match highlighted the performance of the team’s freshman duo, with Emma Freeman and Cori Leavitt each tallying 14 kills. Together, they accounted for 28 of the team’s 51 total kills today. Freeman also contributed five digs, an ace, and a block, while Leavitt added two blocks and an assist.

Cynphany Henderson concluded her season with another double-double, recording 39 assists and 14 digs alongside six kills, two blocks, and an ace. Defensive efforts were anchored by Kellan Flynn, who led the team with 19 digs and four aces, while Tessa Onaga added 12 digs and three assists. At the net, Presley Engelauf recorded four blocks—three assisted and one solo—to lead the team in that category.

The victory serves as the final competition for the 2026 season for the Alaska Nanooks.