Montana State University
Robert Morris
Montana State Spikers Open Season with Two Victories
8/27/2010 10:20:53 PM | Women's Volleyball
The Montana State volleyball team open its 2010 season with a pair of victories at the Courtyard by Marriott Invitational hosted by Robert Morris and Duquesne on Friday.
The Montana State volleyball team open its 2010 season with a pair of victories at the Courtyard by Marriott Invitational hosted by Robert Morris and Duquesne on Friday.
The Bobcats, who posted only three wins last season, are just one victory away from matching the total after only one afternoon of action. Montana State (2-0) opened the tournament with a 25-22, 24-26, 25-16, 25-12 win over Radford, and followed it with a hard-fought 25-18, 23-25, 14-25, 25-22, 15-12 victory over Robert Morris.
“Getting two wins is a great way to start the season,” said MSU third-year head coach Sara Schaub. “To win a five-set match right away is a great indicator that we have grown since last year.”
The Bobcats were paced in its win over Radford by Rachelle Allen and Taylar Barney with 14 and 13 kills, respectively. Defensively, MSU was led by Jodeen Rademacher with a match-high 18 digs, while Meghan Albiston added 14 and freshman setter Mackenzie Campbell 13.
Campbell, starting in her first collegiate match, recorded a double-double by dishing out 38 assists.
“We had good all-around play from a lot of people and that's very positive,” Schaub said. “Jodeen, Rachelle, Meghan, Mackenzi were solid in both matches, and other players also had moments of brilliance.”
Against Robert Morris, Allen again paced MSU with 15 kills, while Rademacher added 13 and Barney 10. Both Allen and Rademacher notched double-doubles, chipping in 12 and 10 digs, respectively.
Campbell had 45 assists in the win, while Albiston posted a match-high 16 digs.
Montana State was led at the net in the two matches by Barney with seven blocks, while Alex Penewell recorded six and Chelsea Oemcke with five blocks.
True freshman Nicole Baker guided the Bobcats from the service line with six aces.
Montana State will conclude play on Saturday against Morgan State and Duquesne.
