Fallyn Freije (l) and Blaire Braxton share a celebatroy high-five near the end of their win over the Lady Griz.
Photo by: Garrett Becker
Unflappable Fallyn Freije Lets Emotion Flow After Leading Cats Past Lady Griz
2/22/2020 6:44:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Senior forward scores 18 points and grabs 8 boards in leading MSU to season sweep of rivals
BOZEMAN, Montana – Fallyn Freije has made a name for herself during her only varsity season in the Montana State women's basketball program with her unflappable presence and always-steady play. But on Saturday, after Montana State's 92-78 win over arch-rival Montana in front of a frenzied crowd in Worthington Arena, the Bobcat senior forward's emotions got the better of her.
"This is just so special to me," said the transfer from the University of North Dakota, her voice quivering as she addressed the media. "This is what I dreamed of coming here, to play with girls who are so skilled and teammates who work hard every single day. This is the stuff I envisioned, being with a team where everyone can score, it's not just on one person, and cutting down nets, and celebrating with confetti, and (spraying) water in the locker room."
The wild scene inside Worthington Arena, when Bobcat players, coaches and staff members rejoiced in grabbing at least a share of the program's third Big Sky regular season championship in five years, was precipitated by a dominating win over the Lady Griz. Freije lost only once to Montana in her three seasons with the Fighting Hawks, landing honorable mention All-Big Sky honors twice at UND before recognition as Preseason MVP this year.
She has done little to dispel the notion that her presence in the Blue and Gold shifted the balance of power in the league toward MSU. She averages 13.6 points a game, and her 7.9 rebounds a game is a team high by nearly three boards a contest. On Saturday she led the Cats with 18 points and eight boards, and diced Montana's matchup zone.
The mismatch Freije presented UM was not lost on Bobcat coach Tricia Binford. "There's something about being able to attack a zone with somebody that can draw the presence that Fallyn does," said Binford, who in her 15 seasons leading the Montana State program has guided it into the Big Sky's catbird seat. "Her ability to not only be a scorer inside but find her teammates, our post players (do) a great job sharing the basketball. It's one of those selfless characteristics about this team that helps them shine."
After the game, after the celebrating, after the wild and wet scene inside the MSU locker room, from which players emerged with water splashed all over themselves, while addressing the media, she was thinking nothing of herself. She was thinking of the players with whom she had just shared well-earned joy, and of the importance of the Cat-Griz classic. "I know how meaningful this rivalry is. To win both games, and to have such a (good) bench and a team supporting you, and everyone contributing, there's no better feeling."
Binford said Freije's addition, even to a championship-caliber program, has been a boost. "This kid is just truly special," Binford said. "When you talk about commitment to the process, Fallyn is that kid. She is intentional in how she prepares every day. She puts in the work. She absolutely goes above and beyond in her approach to every day and it's gratifying to see someone like her who cares so much about her teammates succeed and be rewarded for her work ethic. She impacts every single one of us. She sets the tone, raises the bar every day and challenges all of us to push for our best. I love this kid and am so proud and thankful to be a part of her journey."
And Freije had nothing but thankfulness for her opportunity provided at Montana State. "This is what I prayed for and what I envisioned coming here for my senior year," she said. "I can't explain it. This is really meaningful for me."
Freije and the Bobcats clinched a share of the Big Sky title Saturday, and the Cats play again Thursday when they host Sacramento State at 7 pm. On Saturday, Montana State celebrates Freije and fellow seniors Martha Kuderer, Oliana Squires, Madeline Smith and Blaire Braxton for Senior Day at 2 pm against Northern Arizona.
#GoCatsGo
"This is just so special to me," said the transfer from the University of North Dakota, her voice quivering as she addressed the media. "This is what I dreamed of coming here, to play with girls who are so skilled and teammates who work hard every single day. This is the stuff I envisioned, being with a team where everyone can score, it's not just on one person, and cutting down nets, and celebrating with confetti, and (spraying) water in the locker room."
The wild scene inside Worthington Arena, when Bobcat players, coaches and staff members rejoiced in grabbing at least a share of the program's third Big Sky regular season championship in five years, was precipitated by a dominating win over the Lady Griz. Freije lost only once to Montana in her three seasons with the Fighting Hawks, landing honorable mention All-Big Sky honors twice at UND before recognition as Preseason MVP this year.
She has done little to dispel the notion that her presence in the Blue and Gold shifted the balance of power in the league toward MSU. She averages 13.6 points a game, and her 7.9 rebounds a game is a team high by nearly three boards a contest. On Saturday she led the Cats with 18 points and eight boards, and diced Montana's matchup zone.
The mismatch Freije presented UM was not lost on Bobcat coach Tricia Binford. "There's something about being able to attack a zone with somebody that can draw the presence that Fallyn does," said Binford, who in her 15 seasons leading the Montana State program has guided it into the Big Sky's catbird seat. "Her ability to not only be a scorer inside but find her teammates, our post players (do) a great job sharing the basketball. It's one of those selfless characteristics about this team that helps them shine."
After the game, after the celebrating, after the wild and wet scene inside the MSU locker room, from which players emerged with water splashed all over themselves, while addressing the media, she was thinking nothing of herself. She was thinking of the players with whom she had just shared well-earned joy, and of the importance of the Cat-Griz classic. "I know how meaningful this rivalry is. To win both games, and to have such a (good) bench and a team supporting you, and everyone contributing, there's no better feeling."
Binford said Freije's addition, even to a championship-caliber program, has been a boost. "This kid is just truly special," Binford said. "When you talk about commitment to the process, Fallyn is that kid. She is intentional in how she prepares every day. She puts in the work. She absolutely goes above and beyond in her approach to every day and it's gratifying to see someone like her who cares so much about her teammates succeed and be rewarded for her work ethic. She impacts every single one of us. She sets the tone, raises the bar every day and challenges all of us to push for our best. I love this kid and am so proud and thankful to be a part of her journey."
And Freije had nothing but thankfulness for her opportunity provided at Montana State. "This is what I prayed for and what I envisioned coming here for my senior year," she said. "I can't explain it. This is really meaningful for me."
Freije and the Bobcats clinched a share of the Big Sky title Saturday, and the Cats play again Thursday when they host Sacramento State at 7 pm. On Saturday, Montana State celebrates Freije and fellow seniors Martha Kuderer, Oliana Squires, Madeline Smith and Blaire Braxton for Senior Day at 2 pm against Northern Arizona.
#GoCatsGo
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