Bobcats Finish Week One with Scrimmage

8/14/2021 6:43:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

For the first time since Daniel Jones took over the head volleyball coaching job at Montana State, the Bobcat mentor is more than happy with the level of talent that is in his gym.

By: Tom Schulz

For the first time since Daniel Jones took over the head volleyball coaching job at Montana State, the Bobcat mentor is more than happy with the level of talent that is in his gym.

With 17 players on the roster, battles are taking place at every position as the Bobcats move steps closer to the beginning of the season. Montana State will host TCU on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. in Shroyer Gym in exhibition play, before opening the regular season at Boise State's tournament Aug. 27-28.

"This is the highest level of talent I've ever had," said Jones, who is entering his fifth season at the helm of the program. "This is the first time in my career that we have clarity at each position. We have some nice battles going at every position and it's going to be exciting to see where we end up in November."

On Saturday, the Bobcats held its first scrimmage following the opening week of drills. "It was clean volleyball (today)," Jones said. "Obviously, we have a lot to work on, but again, that's the exciting part of this time of year."

MSU will be solid on the outside with returning all-Big Sky Conference performers Kira Thomsen, Hannah Scott and Jourdain Klein. The Bobcats' middle blocking contingent of Emma Pence, Kaycee O'Dell and freshman Jordan Radick also have the potential to emerge as one of the top units in the league.

The biggest battles are taking place in the back row with the liberos and defensive specialist, while the setting spot is also up for grabs. Libby Christensen, Shayla Webber, Maci Abshier and Kelly Cross look to give MSU a boost on the defensive side, while Allie Lynch, Delaney Shearan and freshman Audrey Hofer will quarterback the Bobcat offense.

"We have real good defensive specialists and liberos and we've got three setters who can go out and get it done," Jones said. "What experience tells me is that you need depth. I don't recall getting through a season with the same line-up throughout. I love our depth. The athletes are all bought in and it's now my job to give them clearly defined roles so that they can go out and execute what we're asking of them."

Last spring, Montana State posted a 10-4 mark in Big Sky Conference play, finishing third in the league standings, its best showing since the 2004 campaign. The Big Sky Preseason Coaches poll is slated to be released on Wednesday.