MSU Volleyball Opens Fall Drills

8/9/2022 6:13:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

By: Tom Schulz

In his sixth season at the helm of the Montana State volleyball program, head coach Daniel Jones welcomed back 12 veterans along with six newcomers to Shroyer Gym on Tuesday morning, officially beginning the 2022 season for the Bobcats.

"The obvious statement is that we have more depth this year than I've ever had in my career," Jones said. "Both from a number's standpoint and a talent standpoint. We return the talent and skill we need to win a Big Sky title, and with the six freshmen we've brought in, all coming from high-level programs, we will have a healthy and competitive gym every day, which only sets us up further to compete with the best."

The Bobcats return three Second Team All-Big Sky Conference performers in Kira Thomsen, Emma Pence, and Jordan Radick. Radick, a Bozeman High product, was also the league's freshman of the year last fall.

Thomsen, a junior from Parker, Colo., returns as one the Big Sky's top offensive threats, while Pence, a junior from Carson City, Nev., led the Big Sky in blocking last season. Radick finished her first year with the Bobcats leading the team with a .306 attack mark, while averaging 1.82 kills and .93 blocks per contest.

"Our veterans are thirstier than they ever have been," Jones commented. "We got close last season, and with Kira and Emma leading the program this summer, we are in better shape than we've ever been, and we have kids doing things that have never happened in my time at MSU. And that all bodes well for the product we will put on the court."

Also returning is all-conference performer Jourdain Klein along with outside hitters Avery Turnage, Courtney Weatherby and Kelly Cross, setters Audrey Hofer and Delaney Shearan, middle blocker Kaycee O'Dell, and defensive specialists Shayla Webber and Maci Abshier.

Bobcat newcomers include Lauren Lindseth, Great Falls, Nellie Reese, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Mya Larson, Wahoo, Neb., Madilyn Siebler, Omaha, Neb., Stacia Barker, Evanston, Wyo., and Camryn Greenwald, Woodbury, Minn.

"We've worked incredibly hard to recruit outstanding young women," Jones said. "And when you get them all together, they really enjoy each other and get along. This team loves being around each other and they have really bonded.

"That connection flows over onto the court," Jones added. "I'm seeing a lot of communication and teamwork."

Montana State fans can get an early glimpse of the 2022 squad during its first scrimmage on Saturday, August 13 at 3 p.m. in Shroyer Gym.