Sophomore-to-be Eli Svisco
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Weindel Uses Spring Ball as Evaluation Tool
4/16/2013 2:39:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
First-year Montana State head volleyball coach Kyle Weindel isn’t too concerned about results as he is with using his time over the six-week spring season to evaluate his current roster in preparation for the 2013 fall season.
First-year Montana State head volleyball coach Kyle Weindel isn't too concerned about results as he is with using his time over the six-week spring season to evaluate his current roster in preparation for the 2013 fall season.
The Bobcats are allowed four competition dates during the six-week training period, which included last weekend at the Boise State Invitational where Montana State notched a 4-6 set record.
“On the weekend, we played more consistent than the previous two weekends,” Weindel said. “We were able to try a few different line-ups with people in different positions and try a 6-2 offense (two setters). I liked that we could evaluate the different positions and systems. This gives us a good idea of what players can or can't do when it comes to figuring a line-up for next season.”
The Bobcats return seven players from last year's team that posted a 15-14 overall mark and made MSU's first Big Sky Conference Tournament appearance since the 2005 campaign. Three starters return to the rotation as well, including outside hitter Eli Svisco, middle blocker Natalee Godfrey and libero Nicole Baker. Defensive specialist Kasey Schlatter, who saw significant playing time last fall, also returns.
Svisco is the Bobcats' top returning offensive threat, after recording 265 kills last season. Godfrey returns as MSU's top blocker, after notching 100 total blocks in 29 matches. Baker was one of the top defensive players in the Big Sky, averaging 3.81 digs per game.
“Eli played some right-side last weekend and we saw her do some good things,” Weindel said. “She didn't play opposite last year, but in high school was very good at the position. It'll be nice to have the option of playing her there this fall. I also thought our middles did a nice at Boise State and were able to get kills from a variety of different sets. That is also a credit to Zoe Gogan, Eli and Nicole for doing a great job passing the entire day.”
The Bobcats will host two matches on Saturday in Shroyer Gym, beginning with MSU-Billings at 10 a.m., and followed by Rocky Mountain at 1:30 p.m.
In addition, Weindel indicated that five newcomers will join the Bobcat program on Wednesday as part of the national signing day.
Wednesday, January 18
Monday, November 15
Saturday, September 04
Friday, September 03
