Bobcat Women Open Big Sky Play at Montana
1/2/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
This Week in Bobcat Women’s Basketball:
‘Cat-Griz, Round I
Game No. 13 (Dahlberg Arena - Missoula, MT - 7,200 )
Saturday, Jan. 3 Montana State at Montana
Tip Time: 2:05 p.m. (MST)
Radio: KZMY 103.5 FM (Tyler Wiltgen)
Television: CW (Bresnan) Channel 11 in Bozeman
Play-by-Play: Phil Buck
Color Commentary: Amanda Maynard
Live Stats: www.montanagrizzlies.com
Live Video Streaming: www.BigSkyTV.org
Next Up:
The Montana State women’s basketball team will open its Big Sky Conference season with its oldest and most storied rivalry. The Bobcats will face intra-state rival Montana on Saturday at 2 p.m., in Dahlberg Arena. The game will mark the 84th meeting between the two schools, with UM holding a 65-18 advantage dating back to the 1974-75 campaign. The Bobcats have won just three times in Missoula, the last coming on Jan. 3, 1999 with a 65-49 victory over the Lady Griz. Last year, the two squads split its regular-season series, each winning on its homecourt. Montana State and Montana also met in the Big Sky title game with UM winning 101-65. The Bobcats are currently 6-6 overall, after defeating Albany and losing to Troy, last weekend. The Lady Griz are 11-3 overall, after winning a pair of home games against Hampton and Nevada.
That Was The Week That Was:
Montana State captured the consolation title at the Battle at the Border Classic last weekend, hosted by the University of Texas-Pan American. The Bobcats opened the tournament, dropping an 82-78 overtime decision to Troy. Junior Lyndi Seidensticker nailed a deep three-pointer as time expired to force overtime. MSU rallied from a 13-point deficit with 9:46 remaining to extend the game. Five Bobcat players reached double-figures, led by Erica Perry 14, Anne Phippard 11, Sarah Strand 11, Nubia Garcia 11 and Seidensticker 10. Jenny Heringer paced MSU under the boards with a team-high eight rebounds. The Bobcats rebounded from the loss with a 75-71 decision over Albany. MSU trailed 45-41 at halftime, but opened the second stanza with a 9-0 run. Perry and Garcia each tallied career-highs in the game. Garcia ended with a game-high 22 points, connecting on nine-of-14 from the field, while adding nine rebounds and two assists. Perry had one of her best shooting nights as a Bobcat, converting six-of-nine from the field, four-of-four from long distance and three-of-four from the free throw line.
Dialing Long Distance:
Montana State has converted 79 3-pointers this season. As a team, the Bobcats are shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc. Five MSU players have tallied 12 treys or better on the year- led by Jenny Heringer with 21 3-pointers and followed by Lyndi Seidensticker 13, Sarah Strand 13, Katie Bussey 12, and Anne Phippard 12.
Turnin’ It Around:
Montana State had the 11th best turnaround in the nation at the NCAA Division I from 2005-06 to 06-07, improving 8.5 games from its 3-23 mark during the 2005-06 campaign to 13-16 in 06-07. Last year, the Bobcats moved up again posting its first winning season under Tricia Binford’s tutelage with an 18-13 mark and an 11-5 Big Sky slate. The 2007-08 season culminated with a trip to the league title game for the first time since 2003.
To Catch A Thief:
Last year, Montana State finished second in the Big Sky in steals per game led by Erica Perry, who ended the season ranked 30th in the nation at 2.8 per contest. So far this winter, MSU is averaging 7.75 per game.
‘Cat Chat:
For the third consecutive year the Montana State women’s basketball team ranked among the nation’s finest in terms of academics. After ranking fourth in the country in 2006-07, MSU again found themselves listed in the upper echelon- listed in the top 15 with an overall team cumulative grade-point average of 3.392...Aside from their achievements on the court and in the classroom, the Bobcats enjoyed success at the ticket window. Montana State posted the fourth highest increase in attendance from the previous year at the NCAA Division I level. MSU averaged 3,035 fans last winter- an increase from 1,791 in 2006-07...The Bobcats finished 2007-08 with an 18-13 record and an 11-5 Big Sky Conference slate. After upsetting Idaho State in the semifinals at the league tournament, Montana State played in its first Big Sky championship game since 2003. The Bobcats also defeated every Big Sky team last season, a feat they last accomplished in 2002-03...MSU finished the 2007-08 season ranked 27th in the nation in scoring (73.2) and 28th in free throw percentage (75.1). The Bobcats were led by senior first-team All-Big Sky performer Rebecca Mercer, who averaged 18.4 points per game and 2.69 treys. MSU returns 57 percent of its offense this season, including top returning scorer Sarah Strand, who averaged 9.7 points per game.
BOBCAT PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Junior Erica Perry had an outstanding performance over two days during the Battle at the Border Classic, hosted by the University of Texas-Pan American. The native of Lynwood, Calif., averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game, en route tobeing named to the All-Classic squad. In addition, she had her best back-to-back games in terms of shooting as a Bobcats. Perry ended the tournament shooting 50 percent (10-20) from the field, 86 percent (6-7) from three-point range and 88 percent (7-8) from the free throw line. In MSU’s win over Albany, Perry notched a career-high 19 points, connecting on six-of-nine from the field and 4-of-4 treys.
Cover Girl:
Montana State senior Nubia Garcia is off to a strong start in non-conference action leading the Bobcats in scoring and rebounding, averaging 12.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. She is currently first in the Big Sky in rebounding and field-goal percentage (.504). Garcia, a 6-2 forward from Chihuahua, Mexico posted a career-high 22 points against Albany, connecting on 9-of-14 from the field. A three-time All Big Sky Conference Academic honoree, Garcia will be featured in January’s edition of CHAMPION magazine, published by the NCAA. The edition will feature NCAA student-athletes pursuing degrees in the Arts. Garcia, who is depicted in a self protrait on the cover, is majoring in photography. In addition, Garcia’s work will also be on display at the NCAA convention in Washington D. C.
Jenny, We Got Your Number:
Junior Jenny Heringer has made a significant impact on the Bobcat squad during the non-conference. A graduate of Billings Central and former Montana Gatorade Player of the Year, Heringer is averaging 10.4 points and 6.3 rebounds. A second-team all-conference selection last winter, she has been in double-digit scoring in seven games. Last weekend, she struggled shooting just 28 percent from the field, however, she got the job done under the boards averaging six rpg. Heringer is also first on the squad, converting 21-of-60 three-pointers.
Ying-and-the-Yang:
The MSU women’s basketball squad leads the Big Sky averaging 74.6 points per game. The Bobcats are last in the BSC in scoring defense, giving up 76.1 points per contest.
Montana Ink:
Montana State head coach Tricia Binford announced five high school student-athletes who signed National Letters-of-Intent to compete for the Bobcats during the 2009-10 season. Inking with Montana State were Latisha Adams, a 5-foot-9 guard from Albuquerque, New Mexico; Ashley Albert, a 6-foot-1 forward from Hamilton, Montana; Chelsea Banis, a 6-foot-4 center from Fairfield, Montana; Kelsey Roben, a 5-foot-10 guard from Denver, Colorado; and Ally Schmitt, a 5-foot-7 from Snohomish, Washington.
Touting Tiny:
Erica Perry is havng an outstanding season running the point for the Bobcat squad. One of the Big Sky’s top defenders, Perry has improved her offensive exploits this season. She is currently second on the team in scoring averaging 10.8 points. The 5-foot-4 native of Lynwood, Calif, is also tops on the squad in assists and steals. Perry tallied a career-high 19 points against Albany, connecting on six-of-nine from the floor, including a career-high four three-pointers.
Phippard Phile:
Senior Anne Phippard broke into MSU’s starting line-up against Western Carolina and has held the spot ever since. The three-time Big Sky Conference All-Academic selection is averaging 8.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. In addition, Phippard is shooting 43 percent from the field and 91 percent from the free throw line. She recorded a career-high 20 points in MSU’s victory over Western Carolina, Nov. 29.
Stranded:
Sarah Strand is coming back from off-season knee surgery and has started in MSU’s last two outings. The 6-foot-1 forward from Seattle, Wash., is averaging 8.5 points and 3.3 rebounbds per game. Last weekend, she recorded 11 points against Troy and added a career-high five assists in MSU’s win over Albany. Strand tied a career-high with 19 points over North Dakota in Montana State’s home opening victory.
Highlighting Hoefer:
Senior Mara Hoefer, who saw action in just 15 games last winter, has played in all 12 contests this year, including ten starts. A native of Germany, Hoefer is averaging 6.0 points and 2.6 rebounds, while shooting a team-best 52 percent from the field. Hoefer posted a career-high 12 points against the University of North Dakota.
Stick-It:
Lyndi Seidensticker hit one of the biggest shots of the season for Montana State, nailing a deep three-pointer to force overtime against Troy. Unfortunately, the Bobcats came up short against the Trojans. ‘Stick’ is averaging 7.3 points and 1.8 rebounds. In addition, she is shooting a team-best 93 percent from the charity stripe. Seidensticker, a sophomore from Spokane, has started four games and has connected on 13-of-40 three-point attempts.
Getting Bussey:
Freshman Katie Bussey is off to a great start as a Bobcat. The 5-foot-9 native of Colorado, is the top frosh scorer in the Big Sky Conference, averaging 9.0 points per game. Bussey is also shooting 36 percent from the floor and 87 percent from the line. She posted a career and season-best 15 points against Gonzaga.
Sweet:
Rachel Pauli, a graduate of Sweet Grass High School in Big Timber, has played in 11 of MSU’s 12 games this season. The 6-foot-1 forward is averaging 3.2 rebounds per game, and is still transitioning from a high school point-guard into a front line player. Pauli notched a career and season-best six points and six rebounds vs. Great Falls.
Jammin’ With Jamie:
Jamie Thornton, MSU’s tallest player at 6-foot-4, has played in seven games, and is averaging 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. A native of Pullman, Wash., Thornton has posted a season-best eight points in MSU’s win over Great Falls.
For this week's complete release, click on the 'PDF Version Available' link at the top of this page.
‘Cat-Griz, Round I
Game No. 13 (Dahlberg Arena - Missoula, MT - 7,200 )
Saturday, Jan. 3 Montana State at Montana
Tip Time: 2:05 p.m. (MST)
Radio: KZMY 103.5 FM (Tyler Wiltgen)
Television: CW (Bresnan) Channel 11 in Bozeman
Play-by-Play: Phil Buck
Color Commentary: Amanda Maynard
Live Stats: www.montanagrizzlies.com
Live Video Streaming: www.BigSkyTV.org
Next Up:
The Montana State women’s basketball team will open its Big Sky Conference season with its oldest and most storied rivalry. The Bobcats will face intra-state rival Montana on Saturday at 2 p.m., in Dahlberg Arena. The game will mark the 84th meeting between the two schools, with UM holding a 65-18 advantage dating back to the 1974-75 campaign. The Bobcats have won just three times in Missoula, the last coming on Jan. 3, 1999 with a 65-49 victory over the Lady Griz. Last year, the two squads split its regular-season series, each winning on its homecourt. Montana State and Montana also met in the Big Sky title game with UM winning 101-65. The Bobcats are currently 6-6 overall, after defeating Albany and losing to Troy, last weekend. The Lady Griz are 11-3 overall, after winning a pair of home games against Hampton and Nevada.
That Was The Week That Was:
Montana State captured the consolation title at the Battle at the Border Classic last weekend, hosted by the University of Texas-Pan American. The Bobcats opened the tournament, dropping an 82-78 overtime decision to Troy. Junior Lyndi Seidensticker nailed a deep three-pointer as time expired to force overtime. MSU rallied from a 13-point deficit with 9:46 remaining to extend the game. Five Bobcat players reached double-figures, led by Erica Perry 14, Anne Phippard 11, Sarah Strand 11, Nubia Garcia 11 and Seidensticker 10. Jenny Heringer paced MSU under the boards with a team-high eight rebounds. The Bobcats rebounded from the loss with a 75-71 decision over Albany. MSU trailed 45-41 at halftime, but opened the second stanza with a 9-0 run. Perry and Garcia each tallied career-highs in the game. Garcia ended with a game-high 22 points, connecting on nine-of-14 from the field, while adding nine rebounds and two assists. Perry had one of her best shooting nights as a Bobcat, converting six-of-nine from the field, four-of-four from long distance and three-of-four from the free throw line.
Dialing Long Distance:
Montana State has converted 79 3-pointers this season. As a team, the Bobcats are shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc. Five MSU players have tallied 12 treys or better on the year- led by Jenny Heringer with 21 3-pointers and followed by Lyndi Seidensticker 13, Sarah Strand 13, Katie Bussey 12, and Anne Phippard 12.
Turnin’ It Around:
Montana State had the 11th best turnaround in the nation at the NCAA Division I from 2005-06 to 06-07, improving 8.5 games from its 3-23 mark during the 2005-06 campaign to 13-16 in 06-07. Last year, the Bobcats moved up again posting its first winning season under Tricia Binford’s tutelage with an 18-13 mark and an 11-5 Big Sky slate. The 2007-08 season culminated with a trip to the league title game for the first time since 2003.
To Catch A Thief:
Last year, Montana State finished second in the Big Sky in steals per game led by Erica Perry, who ended the season ranked 30th in the nation at 2.8 per contest. So far this winter, MSU is averaging 7.75 per game.
‘Cat Chat:
For the third consecutive year the Montana State women’s basketball team ranked among the nation’s finest in terms of academics. After ranking fourth in the country in 2006-07, MSU again found themselves listed in the upper echelon- listed in the top 15 with an overall team cumulative grade-point average of 3.392...Aside from their achievements on the court and in the classroom, the Bobcats enjoyed success at the ticket window. Montana State posted the fourth highest increase in attendance from the previous year at the NCAA Division I level. MSU averaged 3,035 fans last winter- an increase from 1,791 in 2006-07...The Bobcats finished 2007-08 with an 18-13 record and an 11-5 Big Sky Conference slate. After upsetting Idaho State in the semifinals at the league tournament, Montana State played in its first Big Sky championship game since 2003. The Bobcats also defeated every Big Sky team last season, a feat they last accomplished in 2002-03...MSU finished the 2007-08 season ranked 27th in the nation in scoring (73.2) and 28th in free throw percentage (75.1). The Bobcats were led by senior first-team All-Big Sky performer Rebecca Mercer, who averaged 18.4 points per game and 2.69 treys. MSU returns 57 percent of its offense this season, including top returning scorer Sarah Strand, who averaged 9.7 points per game.
BOBCAT PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Junior Erica Perry had an outstanding performance over two days during the Battle at the Border Classic, hosted by the University of Texas-Pan American. The native of Lynwood, Calif., averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game, en route tobeing named to the All-Classic squad. In addition, she had her best back-to-back games in terms of shooting as a Bobcats. Perry ended the tournament shooting 50 percent (10-20) from the field, 86 percent (6-7) from three-point range and 88 percent (7-8) from the free throw line. In MSU’s win over Albany, Perry notched a career-high 19 points, connecting on six-of-nine from the field and 4-of-4 treys.
Cover Girl:
Montana State senior Nubia Garcia is off to a strong start in non-conference action leading the Bobcats in scoring and rebounding, averaging 12.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. She is currently first in the Big Sky in rebounding and field-goal percentage (.504). Garcia, a 6-2 forward from Chihuahua, Mexico posted a career-high 22 points against Albany, connecting on 9-of-14 from the field. A three-time All Big Sky Conference Academic honoree, Garcia will be featured in January’s edition of CHAMPION magazine, published by the NCAA. The edition will feature NCAA student-athletes pursuing degrees in the Arts. Garcia, who is depicted in a self protrait on the cover, is majoring in photography. In addition, Garcia’s work will also be on display at the NCAA convention in Washington D. C.
Jenny, We Got Your Number:
Junior Jenny Heringer has made a significant impact on the Bobcat squad during the non-conference. A graduate of Billings Central and former Montana Gatorade Player of the Year, Heringer is averaging 10.4 points and 6.3 rebounds. A second-team all-conference selection last winter, she has been in double-digit scoring in seven games. Last weekend, she struggled shooting just 28 percent from the field, however, she got the job done under the boards averaging six rpg. Heringer is also first on the squad, converting 21-of-60 three-pointers.
Ying-and-the-Yang:
The MSU women’s basketball squad leads the Big Sky averaging 74.6 points per game. The Bobcats are last in the BSC in scoring defense, giving up 76.1 points per contest.
Montana Ink:
Montana State head coach Tricia Binford announced five high school student-athletes who signed National Letters-of-Intent to compete for the Bobcats during the 2009-10 season. Inking with Montana State were Latisha Adams, a 5-foot-9 guard from Albuquerque, New Mexico; Ashley Albert, a 6-foot-1 forward from Hamilton, Montana; Chelsea Banis, a 6-foot-4 center from Fairfield, Montana; Kelsey Roben, a 5-foot-10 guard from Denver, Colorado; and Ally Schmitt, a 5-foot-7 from Snohomish, Washington.
Touting Tiny:
Erica Perry is havng an outstanding season running the point for the Bobcat squad. One of the Big Sky’s top defenders, Perry has improved her offensive exploits this season. She is currently second on the team in scoring averaging 10.8 points. The 5-foot-4 native of Lynwood, Calif, is also tops on the squad in assists and steals. Perry tallied a career-high 19 points against Albany, connecting on six-of-nine from the floor, including a career-high four three-pointers.
Phippard Phile:
Senior Anne Phippard broke into MSU’s starting line-up against Western Carolina and has held the spot ever since. The three-time Big Sky Conference All-Academic selection is averaging 8.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. In addition, Phippard is shooting 43 percent from the field and 91 percent from the free throw line. She recorded a career-high 20 points in MSU’s victory over Western Carolina, Nov. 29.
Stranded:
Sarah Strand is coming back from off-season knee surgery and has started in MSU’s last two outings. The 6-foot-1 forward from Seattle, Wash., is averaging 8.5 points and 3.3 rebounbds per game. Last weekend, she recorded 11 points against Troy and added a career-high five assists in MSU’s win over Albany. Strand tied a career-high with 19 points over North Dakota in Montana State’s home opening victory.
Highlighting Hoefer:
Senior Mara Hoefer, who saw action in just 15 games last winter, has played in all 12 contests this year, including ten starts. A native of Germany, Hoefer is averaging 6.0 points and 2.6 rebounds, while shooting a team-best 52 percent from the field. Hoefer posted a career-high 12 points against the University of North Dakota.
Stick-It:
Lyndi Seidensticker hit one of the biggest shots of the season for Montana State, nailing a deep three-pointer to force overtime against Troy. Unfortunately, the Bobcats came up short against the Trojans. ‘Stick’ is averaging 7.3 points and 1.8 rebounds. In addition, she is shooting a team-best 93 percent from the charity stripe. Seidensticker, a sophomore from Spokane, has started four games and has connected on 13-of-40 three-point attempts.
Getting Bussey:
Freshman Katie Bussey is off to a great start as a Bobcat. The 5-foot-9 native of Colorado, is the top frosh scorer in the Big Sky Conference, averaging 9.0 points per game. Bussey is also shooting 36 percent from the floor and 87 percent from the line. She posted a career and season-best 15 points against Gonzaga.
Sweet:
Rachel Pauli, a graduate of Sweet Grass High School in Big Timber, has played in 11 of MSU’s 12 games this season. The 6-foot-1 forward is averaging 3.2 rebounds per game, and is still transitioning from a high school point-guard into a front line player. Pauli notched a career and season-best six points and six rebounds vs. Great Falls.
Jammin’ With Jamie:
Jamie Thornton, MSU’s tallest player at 6-foot-4, has played in seven games, and is averaging 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. A native of Pullman, Wash., Thornton has posted a season-best eight points in MSU’s win over Great Falls.
For this week's complete release, click on the 'PDF Version Available' link at the top of this page.
Wednesday, August 19
Wednesday, June 10
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
