Junior Sarah Horton (12) recorded 38 kills against Montana - the nation's highest output this season.
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Horton Leads Nation with Highest Kill Output
10/23/2012 5:19:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Montana State volleyball standout Sarah Horton’s 38-kill output against Montana a week ago Monday is the highest single-match total at the NCAA Division I level and across 30 conferences this season.
Montana State volleyball standout Sarah Horton's 38-kill output against Montana a week ago Monday is the highest single-match total at the NCAA Division I level and across 30 conferences this season.
Horton, a junior outside hitter from Fresno, Calif., had one of the finest offensive weeks in the history of the Big Sky Conference, totaling 75 kills- averaging an impressive 5.77 kills per set. Her kill total more than doubled any other performer in the Big Sky last week.
In addition, Horton hit .314 from the field and added 31 digs (2.38 dps), five assists, four blocks and two service aces in matches against UM, Northern Colorado and North Dakota.
Over the course of three matches, Horton also tallied a pair of double-doubles to give her ten on the season, while producing 79 points, averaging 6.08 points per set to add to her league-best total.
She currently leads the Big Sky in kills and points in both overall and league matches. Horton is currently averaging 4.34 kills and 4.87 points in Big Sky contests. She also ranks seventh in the league in aces at .32 per outing. Over the last five matches, Horton has logged 117 kills, averaging 5.57 kps.
Horton's current season total of 346 kills is the highest offensive production at MSU since Kim Stonehouse recorded 371 kills in 2005. Horton, who still has at minimum eight matches remaining, could also reach the school-record of 547 kills in a season set by Diane Terrall in 1980.
“Sarah had a phenomenal three matches,” said MSU first-year head coach Kyle Weindel. “She has certainly put her name among the best players in the Big Sky Conference. Without a doubt, she's been the hottest player in the Big Sky over the past five matches, and it's important to give her some recognition for her efforts, despite what others may think.
“In addition, she, along with the rest of the team, has done a nice job buying in to what we want the program to be and the level of success we want to attain,” Weindel said.
Montana State has seen the nation's biggest jump in RPI from a year ago. Last fall, the Bobcats finished with a 6-23 overall campaign and ranked 304 of 327 programs. MSU is currently listed No. 137 in this week's RPI- a jump of 167 spots.
The Bobcats will travel to league-leading Portland State and Eastern Washington this weekend.
Wednesday, January 18
Monday, November 15
Saturday, September 04
Friday, September 03
