Thursday, September 20
BOZEMAN
7 p.m.
Montana State University
vs
Portland State
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Bobcats Open Big Sky Season at Home Against Portland State on Thursday
9/19/2018 10:46:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
MSU will host the Vikings on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m., and close out the weekend hosting Sacramento State on Saturday at 7 p.m.
BOBCAT VOLLEYBALL NOTES
HOME & BIG SKY CONFERENCE OPENERS:
When Montana State hosts Portland State on Thursday night in Shroyer Gym, the Bobcats will be looking to snap a five-match losing skid in Big Sky Conference openers. MSU will host the Vikings on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m., and close out the weekend hosting Sacramento State on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Bobcats are 11-19 all-time in Big Sky openers. Their last league-opening win came on Sept. 13, 2012 when it downed former Big Sky foe North Dakota 3-2 in Grand Forks.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND'S OPPONENTS:
Portland State has dominated the PSU-MSU series winning the last 22 matches between the long-time Big Sky rivals. The Vikings own a 43-20-1 record in the all-time series dating back to the 1979 season. Currently, the Vikings are 1-11 overall with its lone victory coming in its season-opener against Long Beach State on Aug. 24. PSU has been led this season by Jenna Mullen, who is averaging 3.05 kills and 1.95 digs per set. Sacramento State is 5-9 overall and will be looking to snap a four-match losing streak when it plays at Montana on Thursday night. The Hornets have won 11 straight from the Bobcats. MSU's last victory over Sacramento State came on Oct. 15, 2010 when the Cats handed the Hornets a 3-2 setback in Bozeman. On the season, Sacramento State has been paced by Mikaela Nocetti, who is averaging 3.73 kills and 2.44 digs per set.
Opponent: Portland State (29,524)
Nickname: Vikings
Head Coach: Michael Seemann
2018 Record: 1-11 overall; 0-0/Big Sky
Opponent: Sacramento State (30,800)
Nickname: Hornets
Head Coach: Ruben Volta
2018 Record: 5-9 overall; 0-0/Big Sky
SIDE OUTS:
* MSU defeated Tennessee Tech and Seattle U last week to win Redhawk Invitational
* Montana State's last win over Portland State (3-0) came on Nov. 12, 2004 in Bozeman
* Sac State holds a 43-8 advantage in its all-time series with MSU going back to 9/7/91
* Evi Wilson and Allyssa Rizzo are the first MSU duo to sweep Big Sky weekly awards
* Junior libero Allyssa Rizzo moved into 7th on MSU career digs list with 1,078 saves
* Allyssa Rizzo leads the Big Sky Conference averaging 5.32 digs per set
* Thirteen of MSU's 17 rostered players have been in the program two years or less
* Last season, the Bobcats averaged 873 fans per match in Shroyer Gym.
SUPER SAVER:
Junior libero Allyssa Rizzo paced Montana State at the Redhawk Invitational over the weekend, averaging 5.50 digs per set. The product of Crestwood, Ill., was over the 20 dig mark both matches. She posted a weekend-high 24 saves in MSU's 3-1 win over Seattle U. For her efforts, she was named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Week. On the season, Rizzo is averaging 5.32 digs per set, which leads the Big Sky Conference. For the weekend, she also recorded seven assists. As a primary passer, Rizzo finished the eight sets with just two reception errors. In the opening weekend of play in late August, Rizzo was named to the Cleveland State All-Tournament team after averaging 5.18 digs and .55 aces per set. In her third season as MSU's starting libero, Rizzo has notched 1,078 career digs and moved into the seventh spot following her 44 total digs last weekend.
PINTREST:
As a unit Montana State's outside hitters manned the pins last weekend producing 70 kills, while hitting .267 from the floor. In addition, the foursome tallied 30 digs. Evi Wilson led the way averaging 3.50 kills per set with a .333 attack mark. The Vancouver, Wash., native recorded a career-high 17 kills in MSU's 3-1 victory over Tennessee Tech. Sophomore Hannah Scott averaged 3.38 kills per set while taking 64 swings over the weekend. The Hawthorne, Calif., product also led the outside hitting contingent with 18 digs. Freshmen Hailey Merkes and Serena Caspersen rounded-out play at the Redhawk Invitational, combining for 15 kills, four digs and three blocks.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING:
As a team, the Bobcats rank in the top five in six Big Sky Conference statistical categories. MSU is ranked fourth in team digs (703) and digs per set (15.98) and are listed fifth in the league in kills (526), total attacks per set (35.84), team aces (60) and total attacks (1,577). Montana State is also ranked among the top 100 in NCAA Division I in total attacks per set (67th), team total attacks (77th) and team digs (82nd). Individually, Allyssa Rizzo ranks among the best liberos in the nation. Her 5.32 digs per set not only leads the Big Sky Conference, but ranks 25th nationally. Rizzo is also ranked 35th in the nation in total digs, 53rd in the country in service aces (18) and is 82nd with .41 aces per set. Sophomore middle blocker Kelsie White is listed 104th in the nation, averaging 1.14 blocks per set. Her 48 total blocks is 115th in the nation.
HARD BLOCK CAFE:
Last season in MSU's win over Pacific, freshman Kelsie White notched 15 blocks, including 14 block assists. The 14 blocks assist was a Bobcat school-record, breaking the mark of 13 held by Karen Weyler (1994) and Mindy Nowak (1998). The 15 blocks were the second highest total in the nation last fall, and White's 1.08 blocks per game were the 13th best average produced by a freshmen in the country. The Layton, Utah native is currently ranked 104th in the nation in blocks per set, while her 48 total blocks is 115th overall.
THE RIGHT STUFF:
The Bobcats ended the 2017 season ranked No. 213 in the final RPI, which was a 46-spot leap up the rankings from 259 at the end of the 2016 season. In all, the Bobcats defeated five teams ranked higher than themselves in the final RPI, including No. 71 North Dakota, No. 99 Pacific, No. 151 Gonzaga, No. 164 Utah State and No. 182 UC Santa Barbara.
IT'S ALL-ACADEMIC:
Six Bobcat players that received All-Big Sky Conference Academic accolades in 2017 return to the MSU rotation. They include Lexi Goroski, Libby Christensen, Sydney Mathison, Hannah Scott, Allyssa Rizzo and Kelsie White.
1,000-KILL CLUB:
Senior Natalie Passeck is closing in on becoming just the 16th member of Montana State's 1000-Kill Club. The last member of the club, Kim Stonehouse, made the list in 2006. Here's a look at MSU's all-time career kills list.
1. Diane Terrall, 78-81.......... 1,451
2. Brandy Anderson, 95-98... 1,380
3. Maggie Koughan, 82-85.... 1,328
4. Stephanie Laya, 97-00 ..... 1,260
5. Meggie Malyurek, 02-05.. 1,136
6. Moyra Ditchfield, 80-83.... 1,135
7. Kim Stonehouse, 03-06.... 1,129
8. Megan Zanto, 02-05......... 1,128
9. Kim Steffel, 89-92............ 1,108
10. Michelle Usitalo, 81-84..... 1,060
11. Cori Carper, 96-99............ 1,058
12. Mindy Nowak, 96-99 ...... 1,044
13. Stephanie Nowicki, 86-89. 1,033
14. Karen Weyler, 94-97........ 1,026
15. Aimee Halyk, 99-02.......... 1,014
--- Natalie Passeck, 15---...... 836
1,000-DIG CLUB:
Junior Allyssa Rizzo became the just the ninth member of Montana State's 1,000-Dig Club when she notched 23 saves against Louisiana on Sept. 7. The last member of the club, Kasey Schlatter, made the list in 2014. Here's a look at MSU's all-time career digs list.
1. Kandice Kelly, 03-06......... 1,720
2. Meghan Albiston, 07-10... 1,577
3. Nicole Baker, 10-13.......... 1,564
4. Kamber Kelly, 01-04......... 1,262
5. Meggie Malyurek, 02-05.. 1,223
6. Stephanie Laya, 97-00...... 1,183
7. Allyssa Rizzo, 16--............ 1,078
8. Mindy Nowak, 1,073........ 1,073
9. Kasey Schlatter, 11-14 1,059
HOME & BIG SKY CONFERENCE OPENERS:
When Montana State hosts Portland State on Thursday night in Shroyer Gym, the Bobcats will be looking to snap a five-match losing skid in Big Sky Conference openers. MSU will host the Vikings on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m., and close out the weekend hosting Sacramento State on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Bobcats are 11-19 all-time in Big Sky openers. Their last league-opening win came on Sept. 13, 2012 when it downed former Big Sky foe North Dakota 3-2 in Grand Forks.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND'S OPPONENTS:
Portland State has dominated the PSU-MSU series winning the last 22 matches between the long-time Big Sky rivals. The Vikings own a 43-20-1 record in the all-time series dating back to the 1979 season. Currently, the Vikings are 1-11 overall with its lone victory coming in its season-opener against Long Beach State on Aug. 24. PSU has been led this season by Jenna Mullen, who is averaging 3.05 kills and 1.95 digs per set. Sacramento State is 5-9 overall and will be looking to snap a four-match losing streak when it plays at Montana on Thursday night. The Hornets have won 11 straight from the Bobcats. MSU's last victory over Sacramento State came on Oct. 15, 2010 when the Cats handed the Hornets a 3-2 setback in Bozeman. On the season, Sacramento State has been paced by Mikaela Nocetti, who is averaging 3.73 kills and 2.44 digs per set.
Opponent: Portland State (29,524)
Nickname: Vikings
Head Coach: Michael Seemann
2018 Record: 1-11 overall; 0-0/Big Sky
Opponent: Sacramento State (30,800)
Nickname: Hornets
Head Coach: Ruben Volta
2018 Record: 5-9 overall; 0-0/Big Sky
SIDE OUTS:
* MSU defeated Tennessee Tech and Seattle U last week to win Redhawk Invitational
* Montana State's last win over Portland State (3-0) came on Nov. 12, 2004 in Bozeman
* Sac State holds a 43-8 advantage in its all-time series with MSU going back to 9/7/91
* Evi Wilson and Allyssa Rizzo are the first MSU duo to sweep Big Sky weekly awards
* Junior libero Allyssa Rizzo moved into 7th on MSU career digs list with 1,078 saves
* Allyssa Rizzo leads the Big Sky Conference averaging 5.32 digs per set
* Thirteen of MSU's 17 rostered players have been in the program two years or less
* Last season, the Bobcats averaged 873 fans per match in Shroyer Gym.
SUPER SAVER:
Junior libero Allyssa Rizzo paced Montana State at the Redhawk Invitational over the weekend, averaging 5.50 digs per set. The product of Crestwood, Ill., was over the 20 dig mark both matches. She posted a weekend-high 24 saves in MSU's 3-1 win over Seattle U. For her efforts, she was named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Week. On the season, Rizzo is averaging 5.32 digs per set, which leads the Big Sky Conference. For the weekend, she also recorded seven assists. As a primary passer, Rizzo finished the eight sets with just two reception errors. In the opening weekend of play in late August, Rizzo was named to the Cleveland State All-Tournament team after averaging 5.18 digs and .55 aces per set. In her third season as MSU's starting libero, Rizzo has notched 1,078 career digs and moved into the seventh spot following her 44 total digs last weekend.
PINTREST:
As a unit Montana State's outside hitters manned the pins last weekend producing 70 kills, while hitting .267 from the floor. In addition, the foursome tallied 30 digs. Evi Wilson led the way averaging 3.50 kills per set with a .333 attack mark. The Vancouver, Wash., native recorded a career-high 17 kills in MSU's 3-1 victory over Tennessee Tech. Sophomore Hannah Scott averaged 3.38 kills per set while taking 64 swings over the weekend. The Hawthorne, Calif., product also led the outside hitting contingent with 18 digs. Freshmen Hailey Merkes and Serena Caspersen rounded-out play at the Redhawk Invitational, combining for 15 kills, four digs and three blocks.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING:
As a team, the Bobcats rank in the top five in six Big Sky Conference statistical categories. MSU is ranked fourth in team digs (703) and digs per set (15.98) and are listed fifth in the league in kills (526), total attacks per set (35.84), team aces (60) and total attacks (1,577). Montana State is also ranked among the top 100 in NCAA Division I in total attacks per set (67th), team total attacks (77th) and team digs (82nd). Individually, Allyssa Rizzo ranks among the best liberos in the nation. Her 5.32 digs per set not only leads the Big Sky Conference, but ranks 25th nationally. Rizzo is also ranked 35th in the nation in total digs, 53rd in the country in service aces (18) and is 82nd with .41 aces per set. Sophomore middle blocker Kelsie White is listed 104th in the nation, averaging 1.14 blocks per set. Her 48 total blocks is 115th in the nation.
HARD BLOCK CAFE:
Last season in MSU's win over Pacific, freshman Kelsie White notched 15 blocks, including 14 block assists. The 14 blocks assist was a Bobcat school-record, breaking the mark of 13 held by Karen Weyler (1994) and Mindy Nowak (1998). The 15 blocks were the second highest total in the nation last fall, and White's 1.08 blocks per game were the 13th best average produced by a freshmen in the country. The Layton, Utah native is currently ranked 104th in the nation in blocks per set, while her 48 total blocks is 115th overall.
THE RIGHT STUFF:
The Bobcats ended the 2017 season ranked No. 213 in the final RPI, which was a 46-spot leap up the rankings from 259 at the end of the 2016 season. In all, the Bobcats defeated five teams ranked higher than themselves in the final RPI, including No. 71 North Dakota, No. 99 Pacific, No. 151 Gonzaga, No. 164 Utah State and No. 182 UC Santa Barbara.
IT'S ALL-ACADEMIC:
Six Bobcat players that received All-Big Sky Conference Academic accolades in 2017 return to the MSU rotation. They include Lexi Goroski, Libby Christensen, Sydney Mathison, Hannah Scott, Allyssa Rizzo and Kelsie White.
1,000-KILL CLUB:
Senior Natalie Passeck is closing in on becoming just the 16th member of Montana State's 1000-Kill Club. The last member of the club, Kim Stonehouse, made the list in 2006. Here's a look at MSU's all-time career kills list.
1. Diane Terrall, 78-81.......... 1,451
2. Brandy Anderson, 95-98... 1,380
3. Maggie Koughan, 82-85.... 1,328
4. Stephanie Laya, 97-00 ..... 1,260
5. Meggie Malyurek, 02-05.. 1,136
6. Moyra Ditchfield, 80-83.... 1,135
7. Kim Stonehouse, 03-06.... 1,129
8. Megan Zanto, 02-05......... 1,128
9. Kim Steffel, 89-92............ 1,108
10. Michelle Usitalo, 81-84..... 1,060
11. Cori Carper, 96-99............ 1,058
12. Mindy Nowak, 96-99 ...... 1,044
13. Stephanie Nowicki, 86-89. 1,033
14. Karen Weyler, 94-97........ 1,026
15. Aimee Halyk, 99-02.......... 1,014
--- Natalie Passeck, 15---...... 836
1,000-DIG CLUB:
Junior Allyssa Rizzo became the just the ninth member of Montana State's 1,000-Dig Club when she notched 23 saves against Louisiana on Sept. 7. The last member of the club, Kasey Schlatter, made the list in 2014. Here's a look at MSU's all-time career digs list.
1. Kandice Kelly, 03-06......... 1,720
2. Meghan Albiston, 07-10... 1,577
3. Nicole Baker, 10-13.......... 1,564
4. Kamber Kelly, 01-04......... 1,262
5. Meggie Malyurek, 02-05.. 1,223
6. Stephanie Laya, 97-00...... 1,183
7. Allyssa Rizzo, 16--............ 1,078
8. Mindy Nowak, 1,073........ 1,073
9. Kasey Schlatter, 11-14 1,059
Players Mentioned
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L/DS
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MB
/ Women's Volleyball
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