Bobcats Drop Big Sky Opener in Straight Sets

Thursday, September 24

BOZEMAN

7 p.m.

Montana State University

2-7, 0-1

Idaho State

9-6, 1-0

Idaho State

Montana State

Natalie Passeck recorded her fourth double-double with ten kills and ten digs against Idaho State.

Photo by: Kelly Gorham

9/24/2015 9:38:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

“Idaho State applied consistent pressure and we were racing in the wrong direction,” said MSU first-year head JJ Riley. “We need to learn how to handle that pressure. I thought we did an outstanding job in the third set. We have lots to build on.”

By: Tom Schulz

Idaho State entered the match as the preseason favorite to win the Big Sky Conference, while Montana State was voted last by the league's coaches. The Bobcats gave the Bengals all they could handle before falling in straight sets 25-17, 25-20, 30-28, Thursday night in Shroyer Gym.

Idaho State (9-6, 1-0) opened the match out-hitting Montana State (2-7, 0-1) .394 to .094 as the Bengals closed out the first stanza scoring eight of the last 11 points.
Following a few minor adjustments, MSU took control of the second set owning a 19-16 cushion nearing the 20-point plateau. ISU rallied with seven straight points and took a 2-0 lead following a kill by Makenzie Filer.

"Idaho State applied consistent pressure and we were racing in the wrong direction," said MSU first-year head JJ Riley. "We need to learn how to handle that pressure. I thought we did an outstanding job in the third set. We have lots to build on."

In the final set, Idaho State appeared to be putting the match to rest with a 16-11 lead, but Montana State went on a 10-4 run to take a 21-20 advantage following a kill by freshman Natalie Passeck. The score was tied eight times down the stretch, which included four set points for the Bobcats. ISU captured the match on a pair of blocks spear-headed by Sommer Reeder.

"The gym was awesome," Riley said. "It was an exciting atmosphere. We're looking forward to Saturday. We just need to keep our minds clear in pressure situations and work on our mental focus."

Junior Loni Kreun paced Montana State with a match-high 15 kills, while Passeck notched ten kills and ten digs for her team-leading fourth double-double of the season. Sophomore Dana Vestman guided MSU from the service line with three aces, while setter Katie Harrington dished out 36 assists.

Defensively, the Bobcats were led by Kasey Altman and Passeck with ten digs, apiece, while Kiana Black led MSU at the net with four blocks.

ISU was led by Tressa Lyman with 14 kills and five digs.

Montana State will host Montana on Saturday night in the annual Brawl of the Wild match, as well as the annual Shake Shroyer contest.