SPOKANE, Wash- Despite a valiant effort in a rally to push the game to five sets, the Zags lost to the Montana Grizzlies on Thursday night.

After capturing the first set 25-23 the Bulldogs faltered and dropped the next two before rallying to force the game to five sets. The Martin Centre crowd showed up in key moments at the end of each set, rallying GU to comeback to force the game as far as possible. Despite momentum going into the final frame, the Grizzlies pulled out the victory after going on several runs to secure a 15-10 win in the fifth.

Montana prevailed at the net, scoring a total of 12 team blocks compared to only five for the Zags. Montana also had a significant edge when it came to attack success, hitting a remarkable .329 on the game. The Zags were stifled in the final set, hitting only .042% in the fifth.

Despite the loss there was a lot to be impressed by, including a phenomenal offensive performance from Sjakkie Donkers. Donkers scored 22 kills, leading the game and completing yet another double double with 13 digs. Autumn Larson had a season high 17 kills as her senior presence guided the Zags, adding a further three aces to complement eight digs. Nia Damuni logged 30 assists, outdone only by Montana's Gracie Cagle, who logged 45 assists and 13 digs.

The Zags will go on the road this weekend but will still be easy to see, traveling just down the road to Cheney to take on the Eastern Washington Eagles. The match is slated to start at 11 a.m.