Bobcat Spikers Begin Camp
8/9/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Montana State head coach Miya Malauulu observed something she hasn’t seen in her three years as the leader of the Bobcat volleyball program during spring ball.
In fact, it’s something she hasn’t witnessed in her eight years in Bozeman.
And, that would be- chemistry.
“This group works so well together,” Malauulu said. “More so then any other team I’ve watched in my eight years at MSU. They are a cohesive unit.”
Malauulu hopes that chemistry will payoff this fall much like it did for Lewis and Clark, Abercrombie and Fitch and Barnes and Noble.
With a solid returning corps, coupled with an insurgence of talented newcomers, the Bobcats will look to build upon its successes of recent years.
“We’re not going to be a one-dimensional team,” Malauulu said. “Everyone on the floor has the ability to make the play.”
There are areas in which the Bobcats will need to solidify prior to the Big Sky Conference season, but Malauulu is confident that MSU will get to that point by league play.
“We need to shore-up our ball-handling, serving and blocking,” Malauulu said. “We improved in all three areas during the spring and with the addition of our newcomers we have the depth and personnel to get the job done.”
The Breakdowns:
Middle Blockers:
Angela Wiebe, 6-1, sr.
Raelene Purnell, 6-1, jr.
Kaytlin Van Burger, 5-11, so.
Kyla Hendry, 6-1, fr.
Montana State has a long tradition of talented middle blockers, and senior Angela Wiebe will continue the blue-blooded lineage. The senior returns as MSU’s top blocker after averaging 1.07 blocks per game, while adding 1.47 kills.
“I’m excited that Angela will be entering fall camp 100-percent healthy,” Malauulu said. “She made huge strides with her blocking during the spring, and we’ll expect her to be a more offensive threat this season.”
Raelene Purnell, who has seen considerable time in the middle the past two years, will look to establish herself in the starting rotation. Purnell averaged 1.34 kills and .70 blocks last season, playing in 88 games.
“I’m excited to get Raelene on to the court,” Malauulu said. “She’s a feisty competitor and has a fire for the game. She is one of our captains, and we’ll need her leadership abilities both on and off the court.”
Sophomore Kaytlin Van Burger saw limited time last year as a true-freshman. The native of Bend, Ore., played in11 games and hit .222 from the floor.
“We’ll continue to use Kaytlin in the middle and on the right side,” Malauulu said. “She had a nice spring and is more poised and confident on the court. We really like the fire and energy she brings to the team.”
Kyla Hendry redshirted last fall and will be looked to add depth at the middle blocking spot this season. As a senior, Hendry led Lanigan High School to a No. 1 Provincial ranking in Saskatchewan.
“Kyla gained much needed strength during her redshirt and we look for her to contribute this fall,” Malauulu said. “She has been able to develop her skills and will be competing for playing time.”
Outside Hitters
Kim Stonehouse, 6-0, sr.
Patti Anderson, 5-11, jr.
Laura Viren, 6-0, so.
Nicole Grypiuk, 6-1, fr.
Wendy Doutre, 6-2, fr.
One of the most dynamic outside hitters in the Big Sky Conference, Kim Stonehouse returns as MSU’s leader on the offensive side of the net. Last year, she notched 3.40 kills per game, while adding 250 digs, 40 blocks and 27 aces. For her efforts, she was named all-Big Sky Conference second-team.
“Everyone knows Kim is an outstanding hitter,” Malauulu said. “However, she has spent a lot of work developing into an all-around player. Her overall game has really improved in the last few seasons, and that’s great because we need her on the court. As a captain, her leadership is essential to our success.”
Patti Anderson played in 105 games for the Bobcats last fall and averaged .83 kills and 2.21 digs per game. She was third on the team with 20 service aces. A strong right-side player, Anderson earned a scholarship during the off-season, after walking on to the program from Powell County High School.
“I’m proud of Patti that she was able to earn a scholarship,” Malauulu said. “She has worked extremely hard to get herself into the starting rotation. She has really improved in all facets of the game. Patti is an outstanding competitor and we look forward to her making a contribution this season.”
Laura Viren came on gangbusters in the last half of the season and earned a spot in MSU’s starting line-up at the end of the year. The freshman redshirt recorded 26 kills (3.25 kpg) and 34 digs (4.25 dpg) at the Big Sky Conference tournament. For her efforts, Viren was named to the Big Sky Conference All-Tournament team.
“We’re looking forward to Laura having a break-out season,” Malauulu said. “She gave us a glimpse of what she is capable of contributing at the Big Sky tournament. Laura had a good spring and she has gained a lot of confidence.”
Redshirt-freshman Nicole Grypiuk will look to make a contribution this fall, after sitting out last season to gain confidence and strength. A strong blocker, she could she time on the right-side.
“Nicole had a good spring and really proved to be a strong blocker,” Malauulu said. “As she continues to develop, she’ll be competing for a spot on the court.”
True-freshman Wendy Doutre of Sparks, Nevada, is a
potential redshirt candidate. A very physical player, Doutre is one of the tallest outside hitters to enter the Bobcat program.
“We really like Wendy’s size and physicality,” Malauulu said. “She has long arms and big hands and is an outstanding blocker. Wendy also has a good sense for the ball.”
Libero/Defensive Specialists
Kandice Kelly, 5-6, sr.
Meghan Albiston, 5-5, fr.
Allyce Bebensee, 5-7, fr.
Entering her final season with the Bobcats, libero Kandice Kelly has already rewritten the MSU dig records. She holds the career and single-season dig marks, and will look add to her legacy this season.
Kelly averaged 4.50 digs per game and is listed as one of the top three defensive players in Big Sky history based on dig average.
“Kandice is our No. 1 leader on the floor,” Malauulu said. “She has become more consistent and had developed a tough serve. The Big Sky has a lot of great defensive players, and I wouldn’t trade Kandice for anyone. She is going to have a fantastic season.”
Meghan Albiston looks to be the heir apparent to Kelly at the libero position. A native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, she was a second-team all-state selection after collecting 365 digs to guide her squad to a 43-1 overall mark and an Idaho 5A state title.
“Meghan is the first true primary passer we’ve recruited at Montana State,” Malauulu said. “She can flat-out pass the ball.”
Walk-on Allyce Bebensee will help provide depth in a defensive role. Bebensee played at Horizon High School in Thornton, Colo., and garnered Rookie of the Year kudos.
“Allyce will give us good depth at the position, and that’s something we haven’t had in our program,” Malauulu said. “She is another solid ball-handler and we look for her to help us out this fall.”
Setters
Kami Buettner, 5-9, sr.
Sarah Allen, 5-8, jr.
Maria Peterson, 5-10, fr.
For the second straight season, Malauulu will look for someone to take over the setting position on a regular basis. Last season, Kami Buettner and Brittni Sesler ran the spot by committee, but this fall Malauulu will look for a setter that wants to be on the court on a full-time basis.
Buettner, a senior from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, will be the incumbent, as Sesler chose not to return to the Bobcat squad. Buettner averages 6.12 assists per game and added 1.48 digs per outing, as well.
“Kami fought through some injuries and did a nice job for us,” Malauulu said. “She made huge strides in terms of what we need from her. She needs to shore-up some things in terms of timing, but she has gained the respect and confidence of her teammates and I expect that she’ll compete very hard for the starting spot this fall.”
Sarah Allen, a 5-8 native of Redmond, Wash., and a transfer from Whatcom Community College where she was named NWAACC Northern Division All First-Team and MVP.
“Sarah is the type of leader I want in the position,” Malauulu said. “She has a great ability to guide traffic and get everyone on the same page. There is no doubt that she’ll compete for a spot in the starting rotation.”
Maria Peterson, a two-time all-state and three-time all-academic pick at Corvallis High School, will redshirt this season to focus on the setting position. Peterson was the Blue Devils’ all-everything last fall and tallied 313 kills, 212 assists, 82 aces and 72 blocks.
“We saw Maria at the state tournament and were very impressed with her leadership ability,” Malauulu said. “She will need some training at the setting position, but she is a quick study and will develop nicely. We look forward to her contributing in the future.”
In fact, it’s something she hasn’t witnessed in her eight years in Bozeman.
And, that would be- chemistry.
“This group works so well together,” Malauulu said. “More so then any other team I’ve watched in my eight years at MSU. They are a cohesive unit.”
Malauulu hopes that chemistry will payoff this fall much like it did for Lewis and Clark, Abercrombie and Fitch and Barnes and Noble.
With a solid returning corps, coupled with an insurgence of talented newcomers, the Bobcats will look to build upon its successes of recent years.
“We’re not going to be a one-dimensional team,” Malauulu said. “Everyone on the floor has the ability to make the play.”
There are areas in which the Bobcats will need to solidify prior to the Big Sky Conference season, but Malauulu is confident that MSU will get to that point by league play.
“We need to shore-up our ball-handling, serving and blocking,” Malauulu said. “We improved in all three areas during the spring and with the addition of our newcomers we have the depth and personnel to get the job done.”
The Breakdowns:
Middle Blockers:
Angela Wiebe, 6-1, sr.
Raelene Purnell, 6-1, jr.
Kaytlin Van Burger, 5-11, so.
Kyla Hendry, 6-1, fr.
Montana State has a long tradition of talented middle blockers, and senior Angela Wiebe will continue the blue-blooded lineage. The senior returns as MSU’s top blocker after averaging 1.07 blocks per game, while adding 1.47 kills.
“I’m excited that Angela will be entering fall camp 100-percent healthy,” Malauulu said. “She made huge strides with her blocking during the spring, and we’ll expect her to be a more offensive threat this season.”
Raelene Purnell, who has seen considerable time in the middle the past two years, will look to establish herself in the starting rotation. Purnell averaged 1.34 kills and .70 blocks last season, playing in 88 games.
“I’m excited to get Raelene on to the court,” Malauulu said. “She’s a feisty competitor and has a fire for the game. She is one of our captains, and we’ll need her leadership abilities both on and off the court.”
Sophomore Kaytlin Van Burger saw limited time last year as a true-freshman. The native of Bend, Ore., played in11 games and hit .222 from the floor.
“We’ll continue to use Kaytlin in the middle and on the right side,” Malauulu said. “She had a nice spring and is more poised and confident on the court. We really like the fire and energy she brings to the team.”
Kyla Hendry redshirted last fall and will be looked to add depth at the middle blocking spot this season. As a senior, Hendry led Lanigan High School to a No. 1 Provincial ranking in Saskatchewan.
“Kyla gained much needed strength during her redshirt and we look for her to contribute this fall,” Malauulu said. “She has been able to develop her skills and will be competing for playing time.”
Outside Hitters
Kim Stonehouse, 6-0, sr.
Patti Anderson, 5-11, jr.
Laura Viren, 6-0, so.
Nicole Grypiuk, 6-1, fr.
Wendy Doutre, 6-2, fr.
One of the most dynamic outside hitters in the Big Sky Conference, Kim Stonehouse returns as MSU’s leader on the offensive side of the net. Last year, she notched 3.40 kills per game, while adding 250 digs, 40 blocks and 27 aces. For her efforts, she was named all-Big Sky Conference second-team.
“Everyone knows Kim is an outstanding hitter,” Malauulu said. “However, she has spent a lot of work developing into an all-around player. Her overall game has really improved in the last few seasons, and that’s great because we need her on the court. As a captain, her leadership is essential to our success.”
Patti Anderson played in 105 games for the Bobcats last fall and averaged .83 kills and 2.21 digs per game. She was third on the team with 20 service aces. A strong right-side player, Anderson earned a scholarship during the off-season, after walking on to the program from Powell County High School.
“I’m proud of Patti that she was able to earn a scholarship,” Malauulu said. “She has worked extremely hard to get herself into the starting rotation. She has really improved in all facets of the game. Patti is an outstanding competitor and we look forward to her making a contribution this season.”
Laura Viren came on gangbusters in the last half of the season and earned a spot in MSU’s starting line-up at the end of the year. The freshman redshirt recorded 26 kills (3.25 kpg) and 34 digs (4.25 dpg) at the Big Sky Conference tournament. For her efforts, Viren was named to the Big Sky Conference All-Tournament team.
“We’re looking forward to Laura having a break-out season,” Malauulu said. “She gave us a glimpse of what she is capable of contributing at the Big Sky tournament. Laura had a good spring and she has gained a lot of confidence.”
Redshirt-freshman Nicole Grypiuk will look to make a contribution this fall, after sitting out last season to gain confidence and strength. A strong blocker, she could she time on the right-side.
“Nicole had a good spring and really proved to be a strong blocker,” Malauulu said. “As she continues to develop, she’ll be competing for a spot on the court.”
True-freshman Wendy Doutre of Sparks, Nevada, is a
potential redshirt candidate. A very physical player, Doutre is one of the tallest outside hitters to enter the Bobcat program.
“We really like Wendy’s size and physicality,” Malauulu said. “She has long arms and big hands and is an outstanding blocker. Wendy also has a good sense for the ball.”
Libero/Defensive Specialists
Kandice Kelly, 5-6, sr.
Meghan Albiston, 5-5, fr.
Allyce Bebensee, 5-7, fr.
Entering her final season with the Bobcats, libero Kandice Kelly has already rewritten the MSU dig records. She holds the career and single-season dig marks, and will look add to her legacy this season.
Kelly averaged 4.50 digs per game and is listed as one of the top three defensive players in Big Sky history based on dig average.
“Kandice is our No. 1 leader on the floor,” Malauulu said. “She has become more consistent and had developed a tough serve. The Big Sky has a lot of great defensive players, and I wouldn’t trade Kandice for anyone. She is going to have a fantastic season.”
Meghan Albiston looks to be the heir apparent to Kelly at the libero position. A native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, she was a second-team all-state selection after collecting 365 digs to guide her squad to a 43-1 overall mark and an Idaho 5A state title.
“Meghan is the first true primary passer we’ve recruited at Montana State,” Malauulu said. “She can flat-out pass the ball.”
Walk-on Allyce Bebensee will help provide depth in a defensive role. Bebensee played at Horizon High School in Thornton, Colo., and garnered Rookie of the Year kudos.
“Allyce will give us good depth at the position, and that’s something we haven’t had in our program,” Malauulu said. “She is another solid ball-handler and we look for her to help us out this fall.”
Setters
Kami Buettner, 5-9, sr.
Sarah Allen, 5-8, jr.
Maria Peterson, 5-10, fr.
For the second straight season, Malauulu will look for someone to take over the setting position on a regular basis. Last season, Kami Buettner and Brittni Sesler ran the spot by committee, but this fall Malauulu will look for a setter that wants to be on the court on a full-time basis.
Buettner, a senior from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, will be the incumbent, as Sesler chose not to return to the Bobcat squad. Buettner averages 6.12 assists per game and added 1.48 digs per outing, as well.
“Kami fought through some injuries and did a nice job for us,” Malauulu said. “She made huge strides in terms of what we need from her. She needs to shore-up some things in terms of timing, but she has gained the respect and confidence of her teammates and I expect that she’ll compete very hard for the starting spot this fall.”
Sarah Allen, a 5-8 native of Redmond, Wash., and a transfer from Whatcom Community College where she was named NWAACC Northern Division All First-Team and MVP.
“Sarah is the type of leader I want in the position,” Malauulu said. “She has a great ability to guide traffic and get everyone on the same page. There is no doubt that she’ll compete for a spot in the starting rotation.”
Maria Peterson, a two-time all-state and three-time all-academic pick at Corvallis High School, will redshirt this season to focus on the setting position. Peterson was the Blue Devils’ all-everything last fall and tallied 313 kills, 212 assists, 82 aces and 72 blocks.
“We saw Maria at the state tournament and were very impressed with her leadership ability,” Malauulu said. “She will need some training at the setting position, but she is a quick study and will develop nicely. We look forward to her contributing in the future.”
Wednesday, August 19
Wednesday, June 10
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
