JAMESTOWN, N.D. (Sept. 30, 2011) – Minot State University had Jamestown College on the ropes, but couldn't close it out as the Jimmies rallied for a 3-2 win in NCAA Division II women's volleyball here Friday.

The Beavers won game 3 25-17 to take a 2 set to 1 lead, but couldn't close out JC in the final two sets. The Jimmies rallied for a 25-22 win in set 4 and pulled out a 15-13 fifth set.

“No, not really,” said MSU head coach Travis Ward if he felt confident going up 2-1. “They are a good team. We were happy the kids pushed them to five sets, but moral victories can only last so long. We need to start winning these matches.”

MSU snapped a four-match win streak and wasn't able to go above .500 for the first time this season.

“It was a missed opportunity,” Ward said. “We have a shot to do it again and will have to beat Jamestown to do it. We will have to see how the girls respond.”

MSU was paced by Emily Byrne (Fr., S, Reno, Nev.) who finished with 64 assists – a career high. Jen Dixon (So., OH, Brandon, Manitoba) had 23 kills, while Jaylene Koski (Fr., OH, Humbolt, Saskatchewan) added 12 kills.

The Beavers return home Monday to take on the Jimmies again as well as the University of Sioux Falls in a triangular. MSU and JC play at 4 p.m. The Jimmies battle USF at 6 p.m. and the Beavers and Cougars play in the nightcap at 8 p.m. all at the MSU Dome.