Photo by: Sam Bloom
Bobcat Volleyball Traverses COVID-19 Challenges in Preparation for Fall Season
4/24/2020 3:04:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
The Montana State volleyball team was at the beginning of its spring drills when everything came to a halt due to COVID-19.
The Montana State volleyball team was at the beginning of its spring drills when everything came to a halt due to COVID-19.
Head coach Daniel Jones likened it to getting just one lick of the ice cream cone. The team was making great progress. The practice gym was competitive with depth at positions where the Bobcats have been thin the past few years. And, enthusiasm was palatable as MSU was using its successes of the 2019 season as a springboard into the 2020 campaign.
Then it all came to stand-still as the world started navigating its new normal.
"We headed into spring break coming off the second phase of our training block making great progress," Jones said. "But during spring break, everything unfolded, and we were no longer allowed on campus. We were able to refine some things (during training), but it just felt like we had unfinished business.
"The girls were in great shape and the kids that were injured last season were back at 100%," Jones added. "Alex Jardine (strength/conditioning), Jennifer Chiu (athletic training) and Brittney Patera (nutrition) had been doing a phenomenal job monitoring them. We were in a good spot making good progress."
In the few practices the Bobcats had, Jones also noticed an increase in confidence and focus. In all, twelve players return from last year's squad.
The Bobcats finished last season with 15 victories, its highest total since 2012. MSU's ten Big Sky Conference wins were its most since the 2004 campaign. In addition, Montana State made its second straight Big Sky tournament appearance and won its first postseason match for the first time since 2005 with a win over Sacramento State.
The 2020 edition of MSU volleyball has big shoes to fill with the graduation of Sydney Mathison, Allyssa Rizzo and Evi Wilson. However, Jones is excited about his current squad's mindset and attention to detail as it heads into summer.
"We're at the whim of greater powers, we just need to be ready to respond and respond appropriately," Jones commented, looking forward to a Shroyer Gym return. "We'll need to be responsive when we return. However, our focus right now is to be supportive of each other."
Jones witnessed the foundation of the 2019 season being formed during the summer and he has called on his leaders to emulate and build upon that experience.
"Our returners learned what it takes to be successful from an outstanding group of seniors," Jones said. "We can now stand on their shoulders and take the program to another level."
Until the Bobcats can get back into the practice gym, they will continue with various team meetings, while finding new ways to train on their own. Most are at peace with the current global situation and are working hard so they will be ready to go when the time comes.
"We're maintaining a lot of interaction and it's been good to see their growth," Jones stated. "This group has a fun, caring attitude that's a lot of fun to be around."
Head coach Daniel Jones likened it to getting just one lick of the ice cream cone. The team was making great progress. The practice gym was competitive with depth at positions where the Bobcats have been thin the past few years. And, enthusiasm was palatable as MSU was using its successes of the 2019 season as a springboard into the 2020 campaign.
Then it all came to stand-still as the world started navigating its new normal.
"We headed into spring break coming off the second phase of our training block making great progress," Jones said. "But during spring break, everything unfolded, and we were no longer allowed on campus. We were able to refine some things (during training), but it just felt like we had unfinished business.
"The girls were in great shape and the kids that were injured last season were back at 100%," Jones added. "Alex Jardine (strength/conditioning), Jennifer Chiu (athletic training) and Brittney Patera (nutrition) had been doing a phenomenal job monitoring them. We were in a good spot making good progress."
In the few practices the Bobcats had, Jones also noticed an increase in confidence and focus. In all, twelve players return from last year's squad.
The Bobcats finished last season with 15 victories, its highest total since 2012. MSU's ten Big Sky Conference wins were its most since the 2004 campaign. In addition, Montana State made its second straight Big Sky tournament appearance and won its first postseason match for the first time since 2005 with a win over Sacramento State.
The 2020 edition of MSU volleyball has big shoes to fill with the graduation of Sydney Mathison, Allyssa Rizzo and Evi Wilson. However, Jones is excited about his current squad's mindset and attention to detail as it heads into summer.
"We're at the whim of greater powers, we just need to be ready to respond and respond appropriately," Jones commented, looking forward to a Shroyer Gym return. "We'll need to be responsive when we return. However, our focus right now is to be supportive of each other."
Jones witnessed the foundation of the 2019 season being formed during the summer and he has called on his leaders to emulate and build upon that experience.
"Our returners learned what it takes to be successful from an outstanding group of seniors," Jones said. "We can now stand on their shoulders and take the program to another level."
Until the Bobcats can get back into the practice gym, they will continue with various team meetings, while finding new ways to train on their own. Most are at peace with the current global situation and are working hard so they will be ready to go when the time comes.
"We're maintaining a lot of interaction and it's been good to see their growth," Jones stated. "This group has a fun, caring attitude that's a lot of fun to be around."
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Volleyball
L/DS
/ Women's Volleyball
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/ Women's VolleyballWednesday, January 18
Monday, November 15
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