Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Bobcat Spikers Ahead of Schedule
8/14/2013 6:08:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
According to second-year head coach Kyle Weindel, the MSU volleyball team is progressing nicely in the preseason.
Four days and eight practices into the 2013 season, Montana State head volleyball coach Kyle Weindel is pleased with the progress of his team.
"We're way ahead of where we were at this point last season," said the second-year Bobcat head coach. "Our upperclassmen are really doing a nice job integrating all of the newcomers into the system. And the newcomers, who all come from outstanding high school and club programs, haven't slowed us down one bit."
Montana State, who posted a 15-14 overall mark last fall and made its first Big Sky Conference tournament appearance in seven years, returns two starters in right-side hitter Eli Svisco and middle blocker Natalee Godfrey, along with libero and only one of two seniors, Nicole Baker.
"One of the biggest surprises coming from our returners is the play of Eli on the right-side," Weindel said. "She is very efficient with her blocking and hitting at that spot."
Eight newcomers will look to crack into the Bobcat starting rotation prior to the season-opener against Idaho at the Wyoming Invitational. Leading the contingent will be outside hitters Kennadie Clute and Loni Kreun.
"The most noticeable thing so far has been the quality of play on both sides of the net," Weindel said. "That's something we didn't have last year. We are able to sustain rallies and get good, quality reps."
With just two weeks remaining before departing for Laramie, MSU is on schedule to make some noise within the Big Sky Conference this season.
"There are a lot of new faces in the coaching ranks and on the rosters of just about every Big Sky school," Weindel said. "The fact that we have so many newcomers played into us being picked eighth in the preseason poll. That's okay, last year we were picked dead last and finished sixth. It will be good motivation."
Portland State was picked to win the Big Sky in a vote by the league coaches.
2013 Big Sky Conference Preseason Coaches Poll
Team--- Points
1. Portland State---95 (7)
2. Idaho State---83 (2)
3. Northern Colorado---75
4. North Dakota---74
5. Northern Arizona---59 (2)
6. Eastern Washington---56
7. Sacramento State---49
8. Montana State---37
9. Southern Utah---28
10. Weber State---26
11. Montana---23
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