Cats Battle League’s Top Team

Thursday, November 2

Sacramento, CA

8 p.m.

Montana State University

8-14, 4-9

Sacramento State

21-8, 12-1

Montana State

Sacramento State

Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson

11/2/2017 11:05:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

“I thought when we executed our game plan we played at a high level,” said MSU head coach Daniel Jones. “I was impressed with our play after the break. Against a team the caliber of Sacramento State there is a small window for error, and we let things slip at crucial moments. However, our play over the past two weeks has really stepped-up and that’s because the kids really believe in themselves.”

By: Tom Schulz

For the first time this season the Montana State volleyball team had five players in double-figure kills, but it wasn't enough as the Big Sky's top team Sacramento State handed the Bobcats a 27-25, 25-15, 23-25, 25-22 setback, Thursday night on Colberg Court.

Montana State (8-14, 4-9) jumped out to an 18-13 advantage in the opening frame but was unable to maintain the margin as Sacramento State (21-8, 12-1) rattled off an 8-2 run to take its first lead at 21-20. A kill by MSU's Evi Wilson gave the Cats set point at 24-23, but the Hornets responded with two points of its own. Another Wilson winner evened the contest at 25-all, but Sacramento State recorded the last two points winning the set on a service ace.

Sacramento State out-hit Montana State .577 to .129 in the second set and cruise into intermission with a 2-0 lead.

The third set featured 18 ties and nine lead changes before a Hannah Scott kill gave MSU a 24-22 advantage. The Cats won the set following a Hornet service error.

The Hornets held the momentum for most of the final set. MSU was able to close to within a point in the waning moments at 21-20 and 22-21, but could never get over the hump.

"I thought when we executed our game plan we played at a high level," said MSU head coach Daniel Jones. "I was impressed with our play after the break. Against a team the caliber of Sacramento State there is a small window for error, and we let things slip at crucial moments. However, our play over the past two weeks has really stepped-up and that's because the kids really believe in themselves."

Senior Kiana Black paced Montana State with 14 kills and a .632 attack, while freshman Kelsie White added 11 kills and a team-high six blocks. Scott, Wilson and Natalie Passeck all posted 10 kills, apiece. Defensively, the Cats were led by sophomore libero Allyssa Rizzo with a match-high 27 digs.

MSU plays at Montana on Saturday night in Missoula. First serve is slated for 7:30 p.m.