Bobcats Overpower Greyhounds in Four Set Victory Saturday

Saturday, September 7

Chicago, IL

11 a.m.

Montana State University

2-4

Loyola University Maryland

1-5

Loyola Maryland

Montana State

Bobcats Overpower Greyhounds in Four Set Victory Saturday

9/7/2019 2:01:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Results

Four Bobcats recorded double-digit kills to help lead Montana State to a four-set victory over Loyola Maryland on Saturday

By: Andrew Pedersen

CHICAGO – Four Bobcats recorded double-digit kills to help lead Montana State to a four-set victory over Loyola Maryland on Saturday, Sept. 7, in nonconference college volleyball in Gentile Arena. The Bobcats topped the Greyhounds 25-19, 24-26, 25-21, 25-18 to pick up their second win of the season and closed out the Hampton Inn Ramblers Challenge.

"I think we did a really nice job of getting the ball into a spot where we could set any offense we wanted," Montana State head coach Daniel Jones said. "Our hitters worked really hard to use what we describe as their tool box. They used some off-speed shots, hit the block, they did some different things to keep the Loyola Maryland defense on their heels. It was a combination of things that made it click.

The first set was all Montana State. MSU registered a .350 hitting percentage and had four blocks en route to taking the opening frame 25-19.

Loyola Maryland responded in the second set. Despite the Bobcats going on a four-point run to take a 23-19 edge, the Greyhounds battled back to tie it at 23-all. Loyola eventually tied the match up at one set apiece by winning two straight points and going ahead, 26-24.

Outside hitters Hannah Scott and Kira Thomsen helped pace the Bobcats through the remaining two sets.

The two reached double digits in the third set and settled for season highs in kills, with Scott (17) and Thomsen (16) each hitting over .350 in the match.

Loyola cut a third-set deficit to 19-18, but Emma Pence tallied two of her 10 kills to push the Bobcats ahead by three points, then Evi Wilson produced one of her 12 kills to help give the Bobcats the third set with a score of 25-21.

Montana State closed things out with a strong performance in the fourth set.

The Greyhounds scored three straight to tie the set up at 7, but the Bobcats took control after that. MSU used two separate four-point runs on its way to winning the matchup in four sets.

"It's all about growth," Jones said. "At this time of year, we're growing as individuals and as a team. What we saw was the evolution of the team over three tough matches. I think this weekend featured four evenly matched teams. To go down 0-2 yesterday and come back to win today, what we witnessed was a degree of growth from the team, both from a technical and tactical standpoint. We just rode out the highs and lows this weekend and we're looking to keep getting better each day.

Bobcat senior libero Allyssa Rizzo accumulated 34 digs on Saturday which tied the second most she's totaled in a match during her career. Libby Christensen followed her with 11 digs. Setter Allie Lynch recorded 51 assists, the most she's recorded in a match that's ended in four sets during her Bobcat career. Scott and Kelsie White each had four blocks for the Bobcats.

Scott was named to the all-tournament team for her performance over the weekend. The Bobcats closed out their third match of the weekend out-hitting Loyola Maryland .296-.206. They also had the edge in total blocks (14-10), service aces (8-1) and total digs (78-69).

"Hitting .400 on 35 swings is pretty phenomenal," Jones said of Scott's performance. "She's creating a pretty consistent role for herself on the right side.

"I think we had massive contributions from Lexi Goroski and Libby Christensen today. They came in in various roles and made a big impact on the game as soon as they stepped on the court. Lexi had a strong run of serves last night and she continued that play today."

Montana State travels back to the Treasure State and plays its next three matches in Montana. The Bobcats travel to Missoula for matches against UTEP Friday and CSU Bakersfield Saturday. MSU makes its home debut on Tuesday, Sept. 17, when the Bobcats host Seattle in Shroyer Gym.