2017 Montana State Volleyball Team
Bobcat Volleyball Holds Blue/Gold Scrimmage, Saturday Night
8/18/2017 3:39:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
First-year head coach Daniel Jones will get a match-like look at his 2017 Montana State squad when its hosts the annual Blue/Gold scrimmage, Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Shroyer Gym.
First-year head coach Daniel Jones will get a match-like look at his 2017 Montana State squad when its hosts the annual Blue/Gold scrimmage, Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Shroyer Gym. The scrimmage is free and open to the public.
"The biggest thing with Blue/Gold is giving the freshmen an opportunity to feel what match-day preparation is like," Jones said. "We're going to go through the usual game-day routines and allow them to have that experience with the knowledge that the outcome of the Blue/Gold scrimmage doesn't matter, but rather that they're comfortable going through the routines."
Jones welcomed back ten veterans, including five starters, and six newcomers two weeks ago with the start of two-a-day drills. MSU will open its season with the Bobcat Classic on Aug. 25 against Air Force. Also participating in the tournament will be Illinois and Gonzaga.
"The Blue/Gold will give us a look at different combinations," Jones continued. "The neat thing about the program this year is that we have a lot of depth at every position. As a coaching staff, we don't have a set line-up in our minds, so we're looking at how everyone competes and responds once the jersey goes on."
MSU will be led by three seniors. Middle blockers Kiana Black and Audra Dugan, along with setter Katie Rutecki will look to move the Bobcats up the Big Sky Conference ladder. Montana State was tabbed to finish tenth in the 12-team league in the preseason poll by the league's coaches.
"I'm really encouraged by how our kids have bought into the fact that this is about the 'we' and not the 'me,'" Jones said.
The Bobcats spent the early part of the week at Big Sky, which included a pair of practices at Lone Peak High School. Off the court, the squad went white-water rafting as well as taking part in other team-building activities.
"The goal going into our trip at Big Sky was to get the team away from distractions," Jones said. "Bonding as a team takes time and takes opportunities to be together and to share experiences. I think we achieved a sense of closeness that wasn't there when we left."
Following the Blue/Gold match, the Bobcats will close two-a-days on Monday, before settling into its match-week preparation.
"I'm content with where we're at right now," Jones said. "We're looking to peak in October and November. We have the mindset that it's a process, and I know it's a cliché term these days, but the way the volleyball season is structured, you can't expect to go into the first week as a finished product. And, you can't go into the fifth or sixth week as a finished product.
"I really appreciate that the team has bought into that and are comfortable doing things that are outside of their comfort zone and at the edge of their abilities," Jones commented. "It doesn't always give you the prettiest of outcomes, but what we're doing is laying down the foundation for them to be really good come October and November."
"The biggest thing with Blue/Gold is giving the freshmen an opportunity to feel what match-day preparation is like," Jones said. "We're going to go through the usual game-day routines and allow them to have that experience with the knowledge that the outcome of the Blue/Gold scrimmage doesn't matter, but rather that they're comfortable going through the routines."
Jones welcomed back ten veterans, including five starters, and six newcomers two weeks ago with the start of two-a-day drills. MSU will open its season with the Bobcat Classic on Aug. 25 against Air Force. Also participating in the tournament will be Illinois and Gonzaga.
"The Blue/Gold will give us a look at different combinations," Jones continued. "The neat thing about the program this year is that we have a lot of depth at every position. As a coaching staff, we don't have a set line-up in our minds, so we're looking at how everyone competes and responds once the jersey goes on."
MSU will be led by three seniors. Middle blockers Kiana Black and Audra Dugan, along with setter Katie Rutecki will look to move the Bobcats up the Big Sky Conference ladder. Montana State was tabbed to finish tenth in the 12-team league in the preseason poll by the league's coaches.
"I'm really encouraged by how our kids have bought into the fact that this is about the 'we' and not the 'me,'" Jones said.
The Bobcats spent the early part of the week at Big Sky, which included a pair of practices at Lone Peak High School. Off the court, the squad went white-water rafting as well as taking part in other team-building activities.
"The goal going into our trip at Big Sky was to get the team away from distractions," Jones said. "Bonding as a team takes time and takes opportunities to be together and to share experiences. I think we achieved a sense of closeness that wasn't there when we left."
Following the Blue/Gold match, the Bobcats will close two-a-days on Monday, before settling into its match-week preparation.
"I'm content with where we're at right now," Jones said. "We're looking to peak in October and November. We have the mindset that it's a process, and I know it's a cliché term these days, but the way the volleyball season is structured, you can't expect to go into the first week as a finished product. And, you can't go into the fifth or sixth week as a finished product.
"I really appreciate that the team has bought into that and are comfortable doing things that are outside of their comfort zone and at the edge of their abilities," Jones commented. "It doesn't always give you the prettiest of outcomes, but what we're doing is laying down the foundation for them to be really good come October and November."
Players Mentioned
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's VolleyballWednesday, January 18
Monday, November 15
Saturday, September 04
Friday, September 03
