Photo by: MSU Sports Information
Bobcat Volleyball: One Week from First Serve
8/21/2015 4:01:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
“I think we’re in a really good place as far as the work ethic, the focus and learning the systems,” Riley said. “I think the biggest thing is learning what we expect from them on a daily basis. They’ve bought in and they’re figuring it out and I think we’ve established it. So, now it’s a matter of keeping that standard, but still shoring up things from a volleyball perspective. I think we’re right where we want to be. We just have to back off a little bit now and let them recover a little bit after a pretty good training camp.”
In less than a week, first-year Montana State Head Volleyball Coach JJ Riley and the rest of the Bobcats will open its season against Tulane at the Sam Houston State Tournament in Huntsville, Texas.
And, although Riley thinks the Bobcats are in a good spot heading into the season-opener, the former Utah assistant knows the key will be getting everyone on the same page.
"I think we're in a really good place as far as the work ethic, the focus and learning the systems," Riley said. "I think the biggest thing is learning what we expect from them on a daily basis. They've bought in and they're figuring it out and I think we've established it. So, now it's a matter of keeping that standard, but still shoring up things from a volleyball perspective. I think we're right where we want to be. We just have to back off a little bit now and let them recover a little bit after a pretty good training camp."
Riley will depend heavily on his three seniors; middle blocker Natalee Godfrey, outside hitter Eli Svisco, and setter Katie Harrington, this fall.
"The seniors are doing great," Riley said. "My perception is they've bought into it and want to have a great year. And, I think that's working in our favor. They're hungry and they're excited. They are going to be great leaders for us. And, it's going to be up to the rest of the team to get on the same page and keep pushing."
MSU returns nine letterwinners and five starters from last year's squad that went 7-21 overall and 4-12 in Big Sky action. In addition, Riley welcomed five freshmen to the team two weeks ago.
"The freshmen are going to be asked to contribute every day in practice," Riley said. "One of the things we talk to with our team is that everybody matters. We need every single person on the roster realizing they have to contribute on a day-to-day basis. It's got to carry over into a lifestyle. We need everybody to play at a high level in the practice gym to get us better."
With two weeks under his belt, Riley, along with assistant coaches Daniel Jones and Stephanie Grandits, are still tweaking with an opening match rotation.
"We're still figuring out who we want to put next to each other, which is going to be key," Riley said. "We have some ideas as far as line-ups go and what we want to experiment with next weekend. The first couple of tournaments are about getting some people playing time and seeing how they respond when a little bit of stress is put on in competition."
Riley has just five practices remaining before the Bobcats depart for Texas, where it will face the Green Wave, Friday at 8 a.m. (MST).
"In the next week, I think it's mainly going to be about focusing on the mental aspect of it," Riley said. "We need to make sure we're balancing the pushing, because we've been pushing hard, and with school starting, a different stress is put on them. The volleyball stuff is shoring-up, but mentally we have to make sure we're in a good place and that we are adjusting to school and adjusting to the first road trip."
Montana State will also face SHSU, Prairie View A&M and Texas San Antonio, next weekend.
And, although Riley thinks the Bobcats are in a good spot heading into the season-opener, the former Utah assistant knows the key will be getting everyone on the same page.
"I think we're in a really good place as far as the work ethic, the focus and learning the systems," Riley said. "I think the biggest thing is learning what we expect from them on a daily basis. They've bought in and they're figuring it out and I think we've established it. So, now it's a matter of keeping that standard, but still shoring up things from a volleyball perspective. I think we're right where we want to be. We just have to back off a little bit now and let them recover a little bit after a pretty good training camp."
Riley will depend heavily on his three seniors; middle blocker Natalee Godfrey, outside hitter Eli Svisco, and setter Katie Harrington, this fall.
"The seniors are doing great," Riley said. "My perception is they've bought into it and want to have a great year. And, I think that's working in our favor. They're hungry and they're excited. They are going to be great leaders for us. And, it's going to be up to the rest of the team to get on the same page and keep pushing."
MSU returns nine letterwinners and five starters from last year's squad that went 7-21 overall and 4-12 in Big Sky action. In addition, Riley welcomed five freshmen to the team two weeks ago.
"The freshmen are going to be asked to contribute every day in practice," Riley said. "One of the things we talk to with our team is that everybody matters. We need every single person on the roster realizing they have to contribute on a day-to-day basis. It's got to carry over into a lifestyle. We need everybody to play at a high level in the practice gym to get us better."
With two weeks under his belt, Riley, along with assistant coaches Daniel Jones and Stephanie Grandits, are still tweaking with an opening match rotation.
"We're still figuring out who we want to put next to each other, which is going to be key," Riley said. "We have some ideas as far as line-ups go and what we want to experiment with next weekend. The first couple of tournaments are about getting some people playing time and seeing how they respond when a little bit of stress is put on in competition."
Riley has just five practices remaining before the Bobcats depart for Texas, where it will face the Green Wave, Friday at 8 a.m. (MST).
"In the next week, I think it's mainly going to be about focusing on the mental aspect of it," Riley said. "We need to make sure we're balancing the pushing, because we've been pushing hard, and with school starting, a different stress is put on them. The volleyball stuff is shoring-up, but mentally we have to make sure we're in a good place and that we are adjusting to school and adjusting to the first road trip."
Montana State will also face SHSU, Prairie View A&M and Texas San Antonio, next weekend.
Players Mentioned
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
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