Bobcat Spikers Open 2011 Campaign in Georgia

Friday, August 26

Statesboro, GA

10:00 AM

Montana State University

JACKSONVILLE

Seniors Lauren Curtis, Rachelle Allen, Alex Penewell and Chelsea Oemcke.

Photo by: Jay Thane

8/25/2011 4:35:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

The Montana State volleyball team will open its 2011 season at the Georgia Southern-Spring Hill Suites Invitational this weekend in Statesboro.

By: Tom Schulz

Click Here For This Week's Complete Volleyball Release (pdf)

SEASON OPENER:
The Montana State volleyball team will open its 2011 season at the Georgia Southern-Spring Hill Suites Invitational this weekend in Statesboro. Five teams will compete in the Old Hanner Gym in the W.S. Hanner Fieldhouse. The Bobcats will open on Friday, August 26 against Jacksonville at 8 a.m. (MST) and South Dakota State at 12:30 p.m. On Saturday, MSU will face Stephen F. Austin at 12:30 p.m., before closing out the tournament against host Georgia Southern at 5 p.m.

FROM THE WEATHER CENTER:
Montana State will fly into Savannah, Georgia on Thursday morning, ahead of Hurricane Irene. Irene, most likely, will skirt past the Georgia coast towards the Carolinas. MSU, however, will not be able to dodge the heat and humidity as projected temps will hover in the high '90s.

A SNEAK PEEK:
Montana State will look to springboard off its successes of the 2010 campaign, which saw the Bobcats post its highest win total since the 2005 season, this weekend at Georgia Southern. Last year, Montana State notched a 10-19 overall record and a 3-13 mark in the Big Sky Conference. MSU returns five starters from last season, including all-conference performer Rachelle Allen and 2010 Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year Alex Penewell. Allen, a 6-0 senior outside hitter, recorded over 300 kills and digs for the Bobcats last season, while Penewell, a 6-0 senior middle blocker, paced MSU at the net with 77 total blocks. Also returning will be junior setter Jennifer Lundquist; senior middle blocker Chelsea Oemcke; junior outside hitter Taylar Barney; and sophomore outside hitter Sarah Horton. Sophomore defensive specialist Nicole Baker will transition into the starting libero slot vacated by former all-league standout Meghan Albiston. Sara Schaub will begin her 4th season at the helm of the MSU program.

CAT TRACKS:

The Montana State volleyball team posted double-digit wins (10) for the first time in six seasons during the 2010 campaign.

The last time a Montana State volleyball team won a Big Sky Conference match in Shroyer Gym was Oct. 26, 2006 in a 3-1 decision over Northern Arizona. The Bobcats finally rid itself of the league demons with an 18-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23 win over Eastern Washington on Sept. 13, 2010.

Three Montana State volleyball players were recognized by the Big Sky Conference coaches for their efforts last season. Senior Meghan Albiston and junior Rachelle Allen garnered Big Sky honorable mention honors, while Alex Penewell was voted the league's top newcomer.

The Bobcats put together four consecutive victories on its home court, including wins over Eastern Washington and Sacramento State. The Shroyer Gym win streak was MSU's longest since 2004. The Bobcats also opened its non-conference slate with three straight wins, which was its best start since the 2004 campaign.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Rachelle Allen - 6-0, Sr., OH - Longmont, Colorado

Garnered All Big Sky Conference Honorable Mention accolades last season...led the Bobcats with 307 kills (2.92 kps), including a season-best 18 kills versus Northern Arizona...posted 306 digs, most of any player returning to the Bobcat rotation in 2011... averaged 2.91 dps...recorded a season-best 20 saves against Eastern Washington.

Alex Penewell - 6-0, Sr., MB - Newport Beach, CA

Named the 2010 Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year...was Montana State's top blocker at the net with 77 total blocks...averaged .73 per set...recorded a team-best six blocks at Idaho State.