Montana State University
9-12, 4-6BSC
Portland State
3-19, 2-8BSC
Bobcats Sink Vikings in Straight Sets
10/20/2018 5:54:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
“A great afternoon of volleyball, a team effort that stands out for a number of reasons,” Jones said. “We had big contributions from everyone who was with us.”
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Montana State (9-12, 4-6) volleyball came out clicking on all cylinders to pick up a win in three sets (25-23, 25-23, 25-22) over Portland State Saturday afternoon in the Viking Pavilion. Allyssa Rizzo paced the Bobcats with a team-high 23 digs. As a team, the Bobcats outhit the Vikings .174-.127.
Finishing off a two-game road trip on Saturday — the Bobcats (9-12, 4-6) fell to conference leader Sacramento State on Thursday — came out ready to play. Heading into the matchup, Head coach Daniel Jones wanted his team to stay composed and fight through adversity.
"My challenge to the team was to step forward and to never step back, to control what we can control and to stay in the moment," Jones said. "We executed the game plan with a steady mind all afternoon."
The Bobcats won a hard-fought first set, 25-23, over Portland State (3-19, 2-8). MSU fell behind 18-14 midway through the set before Allyssa Rizzo won four consecutive service points. As a team, the Bobcats struggled with their serve and Rizzo was a stabilizing figure with three aces. That momentum propelled the Bobcats to an opening set victory.
The Bobcats were in the lead for the majority of the second set, taking advantage of ten Viking errors. PSU tied the set at 23 before Jones called a timeout and settled the team down. The composed Bobcats came out of the timeout and finished the set by winning it 25-23.
Leading 2-0, the Bobcats went into the third set looking to complete a sweep. The third set was another highly contested affair, consisting of 14 ties and seven lead changes. The Bobcats leading 22-21 late in the set, were aided by outside hitter Hannah Scott having a crushing block, putting the 'Cats in position to close the match.
Montana State earned its second victory over Portland State this season.
"A great afternoon of volleyball, a team effort that stands out for a number of reasons," Jones said. "We had big contributions from everyone who was with us."
The Bobcats were led by outside hitters Hannah Scott and Evi Wilson, who combined for 22 kills and three blocks. Carina Lehto led the team with 32 assists. Montana State returns to Bozeman to take on Montana on Tuesday as part of the Brawl of the Wild Series in Shroyer Gym.
"We can't wait to get home and get prepared for the Brawl of the Wild on Tuesday," Jones said.
