A Walk In Time: 2019
10/30/2020 7:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
The 2019 Bobcats were not aware of benchmarks that were falling to the wayside as its season went along. The team was accomplishing things that hadn’t been done in decades.
When the Bobcat volleyball coaches approached me to do a top 20 countdown of the all-time greatest players during my era with the program, I instantly hesitated. The reason: I didn't want to step on any toes because Montana State has had a plethora of talented athletes since my first year in 1988, which was also the first season women competed under the Big Sky Conference umbrella.
I knew if I had to list players from 1-20 my Facebook message box would light-up with former athletes putting in their two cents. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy corresponding with former players and the group I usually hear from holds a special place in my heart. They were good, funny, and full of shenanigans.
So, as I thought about the list, the idea to do a top 10 favorite teams list suddenly became much more palatable. Over the course of the next ten weeks, while we all look for things to do with our Thursday and Saturday nights without volleyball in Shroyer Gym, I will revisit ten teams which during my 32 years covering the Cats standout in the back of my cobwebbed mind. Again, these are not necessarily the best teams, but the teams that have had an impact on Bobcat Athletics, Montana State University, and my career as Sports Information Director.
I would also be remiss if I didn't mention that before the Bobcats started play in the Big Sky Conference, there were some amazing teams in the '70s and early '80s led by some of the best coaches in the country. Names like Terrall, Moe, McKinzie, Williams-McMullan, Wagner, McCanlies, Ditchfield, Kinney, Usitalo, Koughan, Ryan, Cruz, Griffith and Dirks set the foundation for what Bobcat volleyball is today, and they will always be remembered in the annals of Bobcat history.
No. 4
The 2019 Bobcats
The 2019 Bobcats were not aware of benchmarks that were falling to the wayside as its season went along. The team was accomplishing things that hadn't been done in decades.
A sweep of Idaho, a win at Northern Arizona and snapping a 22-year losing streak to Sacramento State on historic Colberg Court were among the many achievements Bobcat fans hadn't seen from the program for years.
"The team wasn't aware of the historical nature of what we did until after the season," said MSU head coach Daniel Jones. "But as a coaching staff it was great to see the program reach certain benchmarks that confirmed that we were a program on the right path.
"I think the match that really showed us that we're headed in a positive direction was the win at Northern Arizona," Jones added. "NAU has been consistently at the top of the Big Sky Conference for numerous years, and to end an eight-match losing streak, winning in Flagstaff, a place where a Bobcat team hadn't won since 2006, showed we could play with the best."
In addition, the 2019 season saw the evolution on an outstanding senior class come to fruition.
Allyssa Rizzo, Evi Wilson and Sydney Mathison were happy-go-lucky freshmen just enjoying their time in Bozeman. As sophomores, the trio were more familiar with their surroundings and the season ended just short of a playoff appearance. In 2018, the threesome shifted priorities and started taking pride in their work. They saw the train moving on the right track.
"The summer right before our senior season the three of us sat down with a calendar and wrote down the entire summer," Rizzo stated. "We were not stopping until we got what we wanted. We took control of our own destiny and it was amazing."
For Jones, the trio of Rizzo, Wilson and Mathison was part of his 'sustainable growth' philosophy. "We didn't want to become a flash in the pan program." As the Bobcats started taking the next step, earning satisfying moments, Jones noticed an elevated investment from his team, and the three seniors were at the forefront of the movement.
"Evi, Rizz and Syd all took different paths for us to have success," Jones said. "Rizzo had established herself as the best libero in the Big Sky and one of the best the country, as well. She became twice the player she was as a freshman, both in the stats and leadership."
Rizzo shattered the Montana State career digs mark posting 2,122 saves. She also became just one of three players in Big Sky history to go over the 2,000-dig plateau. Her 654 digs as a senior broke her own single-season mark, en route to being named Big Sky Conference Libero of the Year and a First-Team All-Conference performer.
Wilson also had an award-winning senior campaign. The Vancouver, Wash., product finished with 371 kills and her 3.47 kills per set ranked fifth in the conference. At the Big Sky tournament, she paced the Bobcats with 31 kills (3.88 kps), a .371 attack mark and 29 digs. Wilson garnered First-Team All-Big Sky and All-Big Sky Tournament honors as well as all-academic accolades.
"Evi's game evolved to where she was executing the game plan at a high level," Jones said. "As a sophomore she played three positions, as a junior she was on the rightside, and we moved her to outside as a senior and she really flourished. She really had a sense of purpose as a senior and was determined to be the best she could. I believe her competitive will dragged us along on her shoulders at times throughout the season."
Mathison, who started at the setting spot as a freshman, had a career fraught with injuries. As a senior, she was a role player coming off the bench, but for Jones, Mathison's contribution was worth much more.
"I will never forget what a selfless person Sydney is," Jones said. "She always put the team ahead of herself, which is not an easy thing to do. Our success wouldn't have happened without her leadership."
Mathison was named the team's Legacy Award winner, voted by the team for the individual who best exemplifies the program's values.
The senior contingent got a boost from a trio of upperclassmen including Hannah Scott, Allie Lynch and Kelsie White. Scott thrived on the rightside earning First-Team All-Big Sky honors, while Lynch ran the Bobcat offense from the setting position and White guiding MSU at the net as one of the top blockers in the Big Sky.
"Hannah is the perfect rightside player," Jones said. "She is a very good passer, is an efficient attacker and her blocking made big strides as well. A lot of what we did was adjusted to her. She does an outstanding job reading the game."
Lynch and White both saw their confidence rise as the Bobcats found success. "Allie really dedicated herself to her craft," Jones said. "She invested in watching film and asking questions and she is confident in running the ship.
"Kelsie really matured in executing the game plan," Jones added. "I thought she played a big role in our win at Northern Arizona."
Rounding out the Bobcat rotation were a pair of freshmen- Kira Thomsen and Emma Pence. Both freshmen made an immediate impact as Thomsen's 3.18 kills per set in Big Sky matches ranked ninth overall, while Pence's 1.10 blocks per game ranked second in league action.
"We took the freshmen under our wings from the first day," Rizzo said. "It was important to embrace them. It was pretty simple. We just told them to do their job. They made no excuses throughout the season and were very impactful."
Also playing major roles in last season's accomplishments were Libby Christensen, Lexi Goroski, Hailey Merkes, Kaycee O'Dell and Serena Caspersen.
"When you have a good season its never just on the backs of six or seven athletes," Jones commented. "It's on the backs of the whole gym. At the end of the day, in practice, they have to be there pushing each other."
The Bobcats finished the season 15-14 overall and 10-8 in Big Sky play. The 15 wins were the most since 2012, while its ten league victories were the most since 2004. In addition, MSU's win in the quarterfinal round over Sacramento State was its first postseason victory since 2005. The Bobcats were making its second straight Big Sky tournament appearance, another first since the 2005 campaign.
For Rizzo, who will go down in the annals of Bobcat volleyball as perhaps its best defensive player, she couldn't have asked for a better senior season. The Crestwood, Ill., product pointed to the summer of 2019 as a crucial step in the team's development.
"We did a lot of team-bonding, doing a lot of fun things, like floating the river," Rizzo said. "We all became best friends, which we brought to the court. I feel we definitely left behind something better than what we walked into as freshmen.
"But we are not done yet," she added. "There is still more work that needs to be finished."
Rizzo, Wilson and Mathison did their part. Now it belongs to the 2020 Bobcats to continue the build.
"Senior Night was my highlight," Rizzo said. "To have my family and friends their to watch what we built was special. It was great getting the love and being celebrated in Shroyer Gym one last time."
2019 Roster:
1-Sydney Mathison-S-5-11-Sr-Phoenix, Ariz.
2-Emma West-OH-6-3-Fr-Tempe, Ariz.
3-Libby Christensen-DS-5-8-Jr-Vacaville, Calif.
4-Lexi Goroski-DS-5-6-Jr -Phoenix, Ariz.
5-Hailey Merkes-OH-5-10-So-Montara, Calif.
6-Kira Thomsen-OH-5-10-Fr-Parker, Colo.
7-Kelsie White-MB-6-4-Jr-Layton, Utah
8-Serena Caspersen-OH-6-1-So-Queen Creek, Ariz.
9-Jourdain Klein -OH-6-1-Fr-Ennis, Mont.
10-Allyssa Rizzo-L-5-6-Sr-Crestwood, Ill.
11-Allie Lynch-S 5-10-Jr-Bozeman, Mont.
12-Emma Pence-MB-6-2-Fr-Carson City, Nev.
14-Susanna Sovde-MB-6-2-So-Bellevue, Wash.
15-Kaycee O'Dell-MB-6-2-Fr-Glendale, Ariz.
16-Hannah Scott-OH-5-11-Jr-Hawthorne, Calif.
17-Evi Wilson-OH-5-11-Sr-Vancouver, Wash.
Head Coach: Daniel Jones
Assistant Coach: Cole Aiazzi
Where Are They Now:
1-Sydney Mathison-Bozeman, Mont.
2-Emma West- Bozeman, Mont.
3-Libby Christensen- Bozeman, Mont.
4-Lexi Goroski- Bozeman, Mont.
5-Hailey Merkes- Bozeman, Mont.
6-Kira Thomsen- Bozeman, Mont.
7-Kelsie White- Bozeman, Mont.
8-Serena Caspersen- Bozeman, Mont.
9-Jourdain Klein - Bozeman, Mont.
10-Allyssa Rizzo- Bozeman, Mont.
11-Allie Lynch- Bozeman, Mont.
12-Emma Pence- Bozeman, Mont.
14-Susanna Sovde- Bozeman, Mont.
15-Kaycee O'Dell- Bozeman, Mont.
16-Hannah Scott- Bozeman, Mont.
17-Evi Wilson- Boise, Idaho
Head Coach: Daniel Jones- Bozeman, Mont.
Assistant Coach: Cole Aiazzi- Bozeman, Mont.
.
If any former alum would like to reconnect with Bobcat Volleyball or update their current whereabouts, please email Tom Schulz, Sports Information, with your contact information – tschulz@msubobcats.com We would love to hear from you!
As Montana State Athletics strives to develop the best and brightest student-athletes, support for the Bobcat Club Annual Scholarship Fund is crucial now more than ever. Donating to the Bobcat Club Annual Scholarship Fund's Plant The Flag initiative ensures not only that the 350-plus Bobcat student-athletes will continue to receive the resources needed to succeed in and out of competition, but that Montana State Athletics will rise above the pack stronger.
For more information about the Plant The Flag initiative, visit MSUBobcatClub.com or contact a member of the Bobcat Club staff.
I knew if I had to list players from 1-20 my Facebook message box would light-up with former athletes putting in their two cents. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy corresponding with former players and the group I usually hear from holds a special place in my heart. They were good, funny, and full of shenanigans.
So, as I thought about the list, the idea to do a top 10 favorite teams list suddenly became much more palatable. Over the course of the next ten weeks, while we all look for things to do with our Thursday and Saturday nights without volleyball in Shroyer Gym, I will revisit ten teams which during my 32 years covering the Cats standout in the back of my cobwebbed mind. Again, these are not necessarily the best teams, but the teams that have had an impact on Bobcat Athletics, Montana State University, and my career as Sports Information Director.
I would also be remiss if I didn't mention that before the Bobcats started play in the Big Sky Conference, there were some amazing teams in the '70s and early '80s led by some of the best coaches in the country. Names like Terrall, Moe, McKinzie, Williams-McMullan, Wagner, McCanlies, Ditchfield, Kinney, Usitalo, Koughan, Ryan, Cruz, Griffith and Dirks set the foundation for what Bobcat volleyball is today, and they will always be remembered in the annals of Bobcat history.
No. 4
The 2019 Bobcats
The 2019 Bobcats were not aware of benchmarks that were falling to the wayside as its season went along. The team was accomplishing things that hadn't been done in decades.
A sweep of Idaho, a win at Northern Arizona and snapping a 22-year losing streak to Sacramento State on historic Colberg Court were among the many achievements Bobcat fans hadn't seen from the program for years.
"The team wasn't aware of the historical nature of what we did until after the season," said MSU head coach Daniel Jones. "But as a coaching staff it was great to see the program reach certain benchmarks that confirmed that we were a program on the right path.
"I think the match that really showed us that we're headed in a positive direction was the win at Northern Arizona," Jones added. "NAU has been consistently at the top of the Big Sky Conference for numerous years, and to end an eight-match losing streak, winning in Flagstaff, a place where a Bobcat team hadn't won since 2006, showed we could play with the best."
In addition, the 2019 season saw the evolution on an outstanding senior class come to fruition.
Allyssa Rizzo, Evi Wilson and Sydney Mathison were happy-go-lucky freshmen just enjoying their time in Bozeman. As sophomores, the trio were more familiar with their surroundings and the season ended just short of a playoff appearance. In 2018, the threesome shifted priorities and started taking pride in their work. They saw the train moving on the right track.
"The summer right before our senior season the three of us sat down with a calendar and wrote down the entire summer," Rizzo stated. "We were not stopping until we got what we wanted. We took control of our own destiny and it was amazing."
For Jones, the trio of Rizzo, Wilson and Mathison was part of his 'sustainable growth' philosophy. "We didn't want to become a flash in the pan program." As the Bobcats started taking the next step, earning satisfying moments, Jones noticed an elevated investment from his team, and the three seniors were at the forefront of the movement.
"Evi, Rizz and Syd all took different paths for us to have success," Jones said. "Rizzo had established herself as the best libero in the Big Sky and one of the best the country, as well. She became twice the player she was as a freshman, both in the stats and leadership."
Rizzo shattered the Montana State career digs mark posting 2,122 saves. She also became just one of three players in Big Sky history to go over the 2,000-dig plateau. Her 654 digs as a senior broke her own single-season mark, en route to being named Big Sky Conference Libero of the Year and a First-Team All-Conference performer.
Wilson also had an award-winning senior campaign. The Vancouver, Wash., product finished with 371 kills and her 3.47 kills per set ranked fifth in the conference. At the Big Sky tournament, she paced the Bobcats with 31 kills (3.88 kps), a .371 attack mark and 29 digs. Wilson garnered First-Team All-Big Sky and All-Big Sky Tournament honors as well as all-academic accolades.
"Evi's game evolved to where she was executing the game plan at a high level," Jones said. "As a sophomore she played three positions, as a junior she was on the rightside, and we moved her to outside as a senior and she really flourished. She really had a sense of purpose as a senior and was determined to be the best she could. I believe her competitive will dragged us along on her shoulders at times throughout the season."
Mathison, who started at the setting spot as a freshman, had a career fraught with injuries. As a senior, she was a role player coming off the bench, but for Jones, Mathison's contribution was worth much more.
"I will never forget what a selfless person Sydney is," Jones said. "She always put the team ahead of herself, which is not an easy thing to do. Our success wouldn't have happened without her leadership."
Mathison was named the team's Legacy Award winner, voted by the team for the individual who best exemplifies the program's values.
The senior contingent got a boost from a trio of upperclassmen including Hannah Scott, Allie Lynch and Kelsie White. Scott thrived on the rightside earning First-Team All-Big Sky honors, while Lynch ran the Bobcat offense from the setting position and White guiding MSU at the net as one of the top blockers in the Big Sky.
"Hannah is the perfect rightside player," Jones said. "She is a very good passer, is an efficient attacker and her blocking made big strides as well. A lot of what we did was adjusted to her. She does an outstanding job reading the game."
Lynch and White both saw their confidence rise as the Bobcats found success. "Allie really dedicated herself to her craft," Jones said. "She invested in watching film and asking questions and she is confident in running the ship.
"Kelsie really matured in executing the game plan," Jones added. "I thought she played a big role in our win at Northern Arizona."
Rounding out the Bobcat rotation were a pair of freshmen- Kira Thomsen and Emma Pence. Both freshmen made an immediate impact as Thomsen's 3.18 kills per set in Big Sky matches ranked ninth overall, while Pence's 1.10 blocks per game ranked second in league action.
"We took the freshmen under our wings from the first day," Rizzo said. "It was important to embrace them. It was pretty simple. We just told them to do their job. They made no excuses throughout the season and were very impactful."
Also playing major roles in last season's accomplishments were Libby Christensen, Lexi Goroski, Hailey Merkes, Kaycee O'Dell and Serena Caspersen.
"When you have a good season its never just on the backs of six or seven athletes," Jones commented. "It's on the backs of the whole gym. At the end of the day, in practice, they have to be there pushing each other."
The Bobcats finished the season 15-14 overall and 10-8 in Big Sky play. The 15 wins were the most since 2012, while its ten league victories were the most since 2004. In addition, MSU's win in the quarterfinal round over Sacramento State was its first postseason victory since 2005. The Bobcats were making its second straight Big Sky tournament appearance, another first since the 2005 campaign.
For Rizzo, who will go down in the annals of Bobcat volleyball as perhaps its best defensive player, she couldn't have asked for a better senior season. The Crestwood, Ill., product pointed to the summer of 2019 as a crucial step in the team's development.
"We did a lot of team-bonding, doing a lot of fun things, like floating the river," Rizzo said. "We all became best friends, which we brought to the court. I feel we definitely left behind something better than what we walked into as freshmen.
"But we are not done yet," she added. "There is still more work that needs to be finished."
Rizzo, Wilson and Mathison did their part. Now it belongs to the 2020 Bobcats to continue the build.
"Senior Night was my highlight," Rizzo said. "To have my family and friends their to watch what we built was special. It was great getting the love and being celebrated in Shroyer Gym one last time."
2019 Roster:
1-Sydney Mathison-S-5-11-Sr-Phoenix, Ariz.
2-Emma West-OH-6-3-Fr-Tempe, Ariz.
3-Libby Christensen-DS-5-8-Jr-Vacaville, Calif.
4-Lexi Goroski-DS-5-6-Jr -Phoenix, Ariz.
5-Hailey Merkes-OH-5-10-So-Montara, Calif.
6-Kira Thomsen-OH-5-10-Fr-Parker, Colo.
7-Kelsie White-MB-6-4-Jr-Layton, Utah
8-Serena Caspersen-OH-6-1-So-Queen Creek, Ariz.
9-Jourdain Klein -OH-6-1-Fr-Ennis, Mont.
10-Allyssa Rizzo-L-5-6-Sr-Crestwood, Ill.
11-Allie Lynch-S 5-10-Jr-Bozeman, Mont.
12-Emma Pence-MB-6-2-Fr-Carson City, Nev.
14-Susanna Sovde-MB-6-2-So-Bellevue, Wash.
15-Kaycee O'Dell-MB-6-2-Fr-Glendale, Ariz.
16-Hannah Scott-OH-5-11-Jr-Hawthorne, Calif.
17-Evi Wilson-OH-5-11-Sr-Vancouver, Wash.
Head Coach: Daniel Jones
Assistant Coach: Cole Aiazzi
Where Are They Now:
1-Sydney Mathison-Bozeman, Mont.
2-Emma West- Bozeman, Mont.
3-Libby Christensen- Bozeman, Mont.
4-Lexi Goroski- Bozeman, Mont.
5-Hailey Merkes- Bozeman, Mont.
6-Kira Thomsen- Bozeman, Mont.
7-Kelsie White- Bozeman, Mont.
8-Serena Caspersen- Bozeman, Mont.
9-Jourdain Klein - Bozeman, Mont.
10-Allyssa Rizzo- Bozeman, Mont.
11-Allie Lynch- Bozeman, Mont.
12-Emma Pence- Bozeman, Mont.
14-Susanna Sovde- Bozeman, Mont.
15-Kaycee O'Dell- Bozeman, Mont.
16-Hannah Scott- Bozeman, Mont.
17-Evi Wilson- Boise, Idaho
Head Coach: Daniel Jones- Bozeman, Mont.
Assistant Coach: Cole Aiazzi- Bozeman, Mont.
.
If any former alum would like to reconnect with Bobcat Volleyball or update their current whereabouts, please email Tom Schulz, Sports Information, with your contact information – tschulz@msubobcats.com We would love to hear from you!
As Montana State Athletics strives to develop the best and brightest student-athletes, support for the Bobcat Club Annual Scholarship Fund is crucial now more than ever. Donating to the Bobcat Club Annual Scholarship Fund's Plant The Flag initiative ensures not only that the 350-plus Bobcat student-athletes will continue to receive the resources needed to succeed in and out of competition, but that Montana State Athletics will rise above the pack stronger.
For more information about the Plant The Flag initiative, visit MSUBobcatClub.com or contact a member of the Bobcat Club staff.
Players Mentioned
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
DS/L
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
L/DS
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's VolleyballMatt Houk Introductory Press Conference
Wednesday, January 18
Daniel Jones Weekly Press Conference
Monday, November 15
Bobcat Classic: Arkansas vs. Portland
Saturday, September 04
Bobcat Classic: Arkansas vs. Utah State
Friday, September 03
