BUTTE, Mont. – The College of Saint Mary volleyball team got two big wins Friday – including one over a Top 10-ranked team – to leave the Big Sky Volleyball Challenge with three victories.

The Flames defeated College of Idaho 3-2 in the first match Friday by scores of 25-16, 21-25, 22-25, 25-23 and 16-14.

"It was a nail-biter," CSM Coach Rick Pruett said. "We had to dig deep and rely on our depth to get through this one. It was truly a team effort.

"Idaho has a lot of fire power, but we found a way to get it done. I'm really proud of the team effort in this one. Grace Werner was the star offensively, both our middle hitters played well and Rachel Cushing had a great day."

Werner finished with a team-high 14 kills, while Kamryn Willman added 13, Azaria Green belted 11 and Lexie Langley tallied 10. Lauren Anderson compiled 26 set assists, while teammate Miranda Ring chipped in with 17. Cushing tallied a whopping 27 digs, Krissy Radicia added 16 and Anderson came through with 10.

In the second match the Flames were pitted against No. 10-ranked Southwestern Assemblies of God University. CSM pulled off the upset by scores of 24-26, 25-19, 25-22, 20-25 and 15-8.

"It was again a team effort against a very good team," Pruett said. "Grace Werner was the offensive leader and really played a great tournament. Our setters also did a great job all weekend running the offense.

"We battled all weekend through gyms with no air conditioning and 90 degree temps inside. I was happy with the entire team's performance as everyone contributed to these big wins for us."

The Flames are now 3-1 and return back to Nebraska to play in the Hastings Classic next weekend.

*The stats for the second match are incomplete because of some computer issues. Big Sky Volleyball Challenge statisticians are still working on them.