Hornets Buzz by Bobcat Spikers

Thursday, November 21

Bozeman, MT

7 p.m.

Montana State University

6-24, 4-15

Sacramento State

15-15, 10-9

Sacramento State

Montana State

Senior Nicole Baker had a match-high 19 digs for the Bobcats against Sacramento State.

Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson

11/21/2013 9:54:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

By: Tom Schulz

Despite receiving double-doubles from its outside hitting duo of Kennadie Clute and Loni Kreun, the Montana State volleyball team fell short in its effort to upset Sacramento State, losing to the Hornets 28-26, 22-25, 25-14, 25-23, Thursday night in Shroyer Gym.

"We're right at the door step of breaking through," said second-year head coach Kyle Weindel. "It's a sign of our inexperience, but we need to know that we played right with Sacramento State and they could be a Big Sky Conference tournament team."

Montana State (6-24, 4-15) was led by Clute with a match-high 22 kills. The Spokane native added 12 digs for her tenth double-double of the year. Kreun, a native of Davis, Calif., finished with 13 kills and posted 18 saves for her eighth double-double.

The Bobcats also received a strong effort from Natalee Godfrey, who recorded 11 kills, a .450 attack mark and three blocks.

The match also served as Senior Night for the Bobcats, and both Nicole Baker and Megan Spofford delivered. Baker finished with a match-high 19 digs, while Spofford posted five kills, a .500 attack mark and a match-high five blocks.

Sacramento State (15-15, 10-9) took another step to securing the sixth and final spot in the Big Sky tournament by virtue of its win and was guided by Morgan Stanley and Sloan Lovett with 18 and 16 kills, respectively.

MSU will host Montana in the annual Shake Shroyer night on Monday night at 7 p.m..

"Both teams know their fate so it should be a good, old-fashion rivalry game," Weindel said. "We beat them at their place on Senior Night last season and I'm sure they'll come in giving us their best shot. We're going to have to fight them off and use it as a springboard for the off-season."

The first 500 fans through the door on Monday night will receive a free Shake Shroyer t-shirt.