Bobcat Spikers Drop Big Sky Opener at Idaho State

Thursday, September 25

Pocatello, ID

7 pm

Montana State University

3-10, 0-1

Idaho State University

7-7, 1-0

Montana State

Idaho State

Photo by: Randy Sartin

9/25/2014 10:58:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

“I thought we played incredibly tough in sets one and two,” MSU Head Coach Kyle Weindel said. “We were able to score points and do some real good things on offense. We just weren’t able to score points fast enough to do anything. Idaho State hit almost .400 and still proves to be one of the most efficient teams in our conference.”

By: Tom Schulz

The Montana State volleyball team couldn't overcome a hot-hitting Idaho State squad as the Bengals handed the Bobcats a 25-19, 25-23, 25-15 setback in the Big Sky Conference opener for both squads, Thursday night at Reed Gym.

Montana State (3-10, 0-1) got off to a quick start in the opening set taking a 10-7 advantage. Idaho State (7-7, 1-0) rattled off an 8-2 run and cruised to the first set victory behind a .394 attack mark.

In the second stanza, ISU built a 19-10 cushion before MSU staged a rally with a 9-2 run to pull to within 21-19. Idaho State pushed its advantage to 23-19, but once again Montana State answered to even the score at 23-all on a kill via freshman Jolie Meade. The Bengals closed out the set with back-to-back kills.

The third set was all ISU as the Bengals out-hit the Bobcats .400 to .057.

"I thought we played incredibly tough in sets one and two," MSU Head Coach Kyle Weindel said. "We were able to score points and do some real good things on offense. We just weren't able to score points fast enough to do anything. Idaho State hit almost .400 and still proves to be one of the most efficient teams in our conference."

MSU was led by sophomore outside hitters Kennadie Clute and Loni Kreun, who posted 11 kills, apiece. Middle blocker Natalee Godfrey finished with eight kills and a team-high .545 attack mark. Defensively, Mead recorded four blocks, while senior libero Kasey Schlatter guided MSU with 11 digs.

ISU was paced by Tressa Lyman with 15 kills and a .424 attack mark.

The Bobcats will host Montana on Saturday night in Shroyer Gym to kick-off the annual Brawl of the Wild series. The match will mark MSU's home-opener and the first 500 fans will receive a free 'Shake Shroyer' t-shirt.