Montana State University
Portland State
Montana State Spikers Cool Down after Hot Start against Vikings
9/17/2010 10:31:45 PM | Women's Volleyball
The Montana State volleyball team opened its home and Big Sky Conference season on fire.
The Montana State volleyball team opened its home and Big Sky Conference season on fire.
Unfortunately, Portland State's Whitney Phillips doused the flames as the defending regular-season Big Sky champions rallied for a 24-26, 25-13, 25-18, 25-15 win over the Bobcats, Friday night in Shroyer Gym.
Montana State (5-6, 0-1) jumped out to a quick 15-5 lead in the first set, before Portland State (5-6, 1-0) responded to eventually tie the score at 24-all. However, MSU's top offensive threat, Rachelle Allen, posted consecutive kills for the win.
The final three sets belonged to the Vikings and Phillips as PSU outhit the Bobcats .303 to -.019, while also out-blocking MSU 11 to 1. Phillips ended with 28 kills, while hitting .500 from the field.
“The opening set showed that we can compete with the best of the Big Sky Conference,” said MSU third-year head coach Sara Schaub. “However, we didn't respond fast enough once Portland State gained momentum. Whitney Phillips had and amazing night for them.”
The Bobcats were paced in the loss by Allen, who posted her sixth double-double, notching a team-best 13 kills, while adding ten digs. Also in double-digit kills was junior middle blocker Chelsea Oemcke with 11.
“Chelsea really had a nice showing,” Schaub said. “We need to have our offense stay aggressive, while reducing our errors.”
True-freshman Mackenzi Campbell dished out 40 assists, while senior libero Meghan Albiston posted a match-high 18 digs.
MSU will host Eastern Washington on Saturday night in Shroyer Gym.
