Bengals Win Catfight, Top Bobcat Spikers

Saturday, November 9

Bozeman, MT

7 p.m.

Montana State University

6-21, 4-12

Idaho State

17-10, 11-5

Idaho State

Montana State

Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson

11/9/2013 10:20:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

The good news is Montana State played its most efficient match of the season, the bad news is it wasn’t enough to top the Big Sky Conference’s most efficient team as the Bengals handed the Bobcats an 18-25, 25-18, 25-19, 19-25, 15-11 setback, Saturday night in Shroyer Gym.

By: Tom Schulz

The good news is Montana State played its most efficient match of the season, the bad news is it wasn't enough to top the Big Sky Conference's most efficient team as the Bengals handed the Bobcats an 18-25, 25-18, 25-19, 19-25, 15-11 setback, Saturday night in Shroyer Gym.

Montana State (6-21, 4-12) hit a season-high .310 from the field and collected 43 kills and a .333 attack mark from its freshmen outside hitting duo of Kennadie Clute and Loni Kreun, but couldn't overcome a lopsided .267 to .080 in the final set.

"I couldn't be more proud of our effort," said MSU head coach Kyle Weindel. "That was the most efficient we've played over the course of consecutive sets all season. The fifth set didn't quite go our way, but I think our players are understanding and know when it's okay to take risks."

Clute led all players with a match-high 26 kills, while Kreun added 17 kills. MSU also received a strong contribution from Natalee Godfrey, who pounded down nine kills, while hitting .368 and adding two blocks.

Freshman Anna Sykora dished out 56 assists, while Nicole Baker and Kasey Schlatter paced the Bobcats defensively with 16 and 11 digs, respectively.

"Our effort and execution would've won most matches," Weindel said. "Unfortunately, Idaho State was just a little more efficient in the end."

Idaho State (17-10, 11-5) had four players in double-figures and were led by Tressa Lyman with 17 kills and 12 digs.

MSU will travel to Southern Utah next Thursday.