Bobcat Spikers Fall to Eastern Washington in Five

Friday, September 23

Bozeman

7:00 PM

Montana State University

EASTERN WASHINGTON

Junior Jennifer Lundquist just missed her first career triple-double on Friday night.

Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson

9/23/2011 10:34:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Montana State’s attempt at getting its first victory of the season came up short as Eastern Washington defeated the Bobcats 25-22, 20-25, 25-20, 17-25, 15-7, in the home opener for MSU in Shroyer Gym.

By: Tom Schulz

Montana State's attempt at getting its first victory of the season came up short as Eastern Washington defeated the Bobcats 25-22, 20-25, 25-20, 17-25, 15-7, in the home opener for MSU in Shroyer Gym.

“We're disappointed,” said MSU head coach Sara Schaub. “We just didn't pass well in the fifth set and got away from the things we were doing well.”

Eastern Washington (7-6, 3-0) got out early winning the opening set by virtue of outhitting Montana State (0-13, 0-3) .214 to .056. The Bobcats turned the table in the second stanza and jumped out to a 20-10 advantage to cruise to the win.

Following intermission, the Eagles captured the third set behind seven kills via Shelby Puckett. The Bobcats evened the match at 2-2 after hitting .244 from the field in the fourth game and holding EWU to a .154 attack mark.

Eastern Washington owned the fifth set outhitting Montana State .571 to -.083.

“The positive from the match was getting to a fifth set,” Schaub said.

Sophomore Sarah Horton led the Bobcats with 11 kills, while Rachelle Allen also hit double-figures with ten. Allen also posted a double-double adding 17 digs.

Junior setter Jennifer Lundquist returned to the Bobcats rotation after sitting out the last three weeks with a concussion. She ended the match with nine kills, 36 assists and eight digs, narrowly missing her first career triple-double.

Defensively, MSU was sparked by Nicole Baker with a match-high 19 digs. Kasey Schlatter also reached double-digits with 11 saves.

Montana State will host Portland State on Saturday night.