Thursday, October 19
Portland, OR
8 p.m. (MT)
Montana State University
at
Portland State
Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
Cats Back on Big Sky Road
10/18/2023 5:20:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Montana State heads back on the Big Sky Conference road this week with a pair of matches away from the warm confines of Shroyer Gym.
NEXT UP:
Montana State heads back on the Big Sky Conference road this week with a pair of matches away from the warm confines of Shroyer Gym. The Bobcats play at Portland State, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. (MT) in the Rose City, and close out the road-swing at Sacramento State, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. (MT) in The Nest.
QUICK RESET:
Montana State outside hitter Kira Thomsen and middle blocker Camryn Greenwald each recorded 13 kills to lift the Bobcats past Idaho 17-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-12, Saturday afternoon in front of a sold-out crowd of 1,527 in Shroyer Gym. With her 13 kills, Thomsen, a senior from Parker, Colo., moved into second on MSU's all-time career kills chart with 1,393 surpassing Bobcat Hall of Famer Brandy Anderson. Thomsen is 59 kills away from breaking Diane Terrall's (1978-81) all-time mark of 1,451 kills. Also reaching double-figure kills for MSU was Jourdain Kamps 11. Setter Nellie Stevenson dished out 37 assists and added six digs and a service ace. Defensively, the Bobcats were led by Lauren Lindseth with nine digs. Greenwald paced MSU at the net with six blocks. On a night when its offense struggled finding ways to score, Montana State relied on its defense for more swing opportunities which led to a 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 25-21 win over Eastern Washington, Thursday night in Shroyer Gym. Lindseth and junior Courtney Weatherby provided the spark the Bobcats needed defensively, registering 23 and 11 digs, respectively. Offensively, Thomsen guided MSU with a match-high 15 kills. She also added 11 digs for her seventh double-double of the season. Kamps, a product of Ennis, finished with nine kills and six blocks, while Greenwald chipped in eight kills and three blocks. Stevenson dished out 32 assists and added eight digs, four kills, two blocks and an ace in the victory.
RPI RANKINGS:
Weber State (116) is the highest ranked Big Sky school in the most recent RPI listing. The Wildcats are followed by Northern Colorado (117), Montana State (161), Sacramento State (162), Montana (178), Portland State (213), Northern Arizona (224), Eastern Washington (276), Idaho State (278), and Idaho (327).
FACTOID OF THE WEEK:
The Bobcats are on a current four-match win streak. They have also won three of their last four matches on the road, including wins at NAU and UNC.
SCOUTING REPORT:
Portland State is 10-8 overall and 3-4 in Big Sky Conference play after dropping a pair of Big Sky home matches last week to Idaho State (3-1) and Weber State (3-0). Against ISU, the Vikings were led by Gabby Hollins and Sophia Meyers with 15 and 14 kills, respectively. As a team, PSU hit .139 from the floor. Against Weber State, the Vikings hit .099. Hollins and Meyers again paced the Vikings with 12 and 11 kills, respectively. On the season, Hollins and Meyers are each averaging 3.57 kills per set. Hollins has a current .237 attack mark, while Meyers is at .182. Sacramento State is 13-8 overall and 6-1 in Big Sky action. The Hornets host Montana on Thursday before meeting the Bobcats on Saturday afternoon. Based on Thursday's outcomes, the two schools could be playing for first place on Saturday afternoon in The Nest. Last week, Sacramento State dropped a 3-0 decision at home to Weber State, before rebounding with a 3-0 sweep of Idaho State. Against WSU, the Hornets were led by Bridgette Smith and Caitlin Volkmann with 13 kills apiece.
SERVING NOTICE:
Montana State is fourth in the Big Sky Conference, averaging 1.65 aces per set. The number ranks 105th in the nation. Individually, Kira Thomsen is fifth in the league averaging .34 aces per set.
PACKING THE PLACE:
Montana State finished 39th in the nation averaging 1,292 fans per game, last fall. On Sept. 30, 2022, Montana State set a Big Sky Conference and State of Montana record when 6,457 fans jammed Worthington Arena. MSU's average attendance was higher than notable programs such as UCLA, LSU, and Notre Dame. The Cats are currently averaging 705 fans per match.
AMONG THE NATION'S ELITE:
Bobcat senior outside hitter Kira Thomsen ranks second in the Big Sky Conference in attacks, averaging 11.18 swings per set. That number also ranks 20th in the nation. In addition, the product of Parker, Colorado is first in the Big Sky averaging 3.92 kills per set, which is the 41st best average in the country. Thomen's 4.47 points per set are tops in the Big Sky and rank 44th overall.
AMONG THE NATION'S ELITE x2:
As a unit, the Bobcats are third in the Big Sky Conference averaging 36.06 swings per set, which ranks 49th in the nation. MSU also paces the Big Sky averaging 13.03 kills per contest, which ranks 76th in the country. In addition, the Bobcats are third in the Big Sky averaging 12.06 assists per contest, which ranks 81st in the nation, as well.
WE GET THE POINT:
As a team, Montana State is fourth in the Big Sky Conference averaging 16.82 points per set. Individually, MSU's Kira Thomsen leads the league at 4.47 pps, while Jourdain Kamps is tenth at 3.60 pps.
GOTTA DIG IT:
MSU libero Lauren Lindseth ranks seventh in the Big Sky averaging 3.86 saves per game. Last week she totaled 32 (4.00) saves as MSU defeated Eastern Washington and Idaho. On Aug. 31, Lindseth recorded a career-high 34 digs against St. Thomas (MN). She has recorded 14 matches in double-digit digs this fall. Last season, Lindseth was in double-digit digs in 22 matches, including a streak of 13 consecutive matches in double-figures. In addition, she went over the 20-dig plateau on nine occasions. Her 475 digs last fall ranks fifth in a single season at MSU. Lindseth earned All-Big Sky Tourney honors after averaging 3.56 digs in two matches, which included 24 digs in MSU's quarterfinal upset over Weber State.
LINDSETH LEGACY:
Sophomore libero Lauren Lindseth is part of Bobcat history as one-half of the first mother/daughter duo to play volleyball at MSU. Lindseth's mother - Kelly Modrow (MOD-row) - played for the Blue and Gold from 1992-1996. The native of Minnetonka, Minn., (Hopkins HS) played in 110 matches and 359 sets. In all, Modrow's career totals include: 889 kills, 733 digs, 128 blocks and 87 service aces wearing the No. 2 jersey, as well.
THE MENACE FROM ENNIS:
Jourdain (Klein) Kamps is another Bobcat enjoying an outstanding season to date. She is averaging 2.91 kills per set, while hitting a team-best .287 from the floor. In addition, she is averaging 1.74 digs and .98 blocks per contest and has chipped in 11 aces. The product of Ennis, Mont., has been in double-figure kills in 12 of 17 matches, including a season-best 18 kills at Northern Arizona. Last week against Eastern Washington and Idaho, she averaged 2.50 kills, 1.25 digs and 1.00 blocks per set. Kamps currently ranks ninth in the Big Sky with a .287 attack mark and is tenth in points (3.60 ppg). Kamps was a Second Team All-Big Sky pick in the spring of 2021 after averaging 1.49 kills and .97 blocks per set in the shortened 15-match season. Last year, she totaled 242 kills (1.98 kps). Kamps recorded a career-high 23 kills at Eastern Washington and had six matches hitting .300 or better. Kamps also posted 100 blocks, averaging .82 per contest. Kamps moved into seventh on Montana State's all-time block assists chart with a career total is 298, last week.
TOUTING THOMSEN:
Senior outside hitter Kira Thomsen, a three-time all-Big Sky Conference selection, is having an impressive final season with the Bobcats. She currently leads the league in kills per set (3.92) and points (4.47). Thomsen's 2.43 digs per set is second on the Bobcat squad, while her .228 attack mark is third best. This season, Thomsen has been in double-digit kills in 14 of 17 matches, including a season-high 28 kills against St. Thomas (MN). She had a 19-match streak of double-figure kills dating back to Oct. 22, 2022, snapped after recording four against Cal on Sept. 15. Last season, Thomsen recorded a career-high 32 kills in MSU's 3-2 win over Portland State. Her 1,393 career kills rank second on MSU's all-time kills chart (59 shy of breaking Diane Terrall's all-time mark) and her 4,024 total career attacks is the most all-time. Thomsen went over the 1,000-career digs mark against Nevada making her tenth member of MSU's 1,000-Dig Club. She is now just one of four players in Montana State history to record 1,000 kills/digs - joining Meggie Malyurek, Stephanie Laya, and Mindy Nowak. On Nov. 18, 2022, Thomsen was named the GameChanger/AVCA Division National Player of the Week (the first in MSU history) after averaging 6.0 kills and 6.4 points per set as MSU knocked off Portland State and Sacramento State. Last week, she totaled 28 kills (3.50) and 19 digs (2.38). Thomsen also recorded five blocks in the 8 sets.
HARD BLOCK CAFE`:
Montana State averaged 2.50 blocks per set last week, led by Jourdain Radick (1.43), Camryn Greenwald (1.13) and Jourdain Kamps (1.00). Sophomore middle blocker Jordan Radick and Kamps rank eighth and tenth, respectively in the Big Sky, averaging1.03 and .98 blocks per set. As a team, the Bobcats rank fourth in the Big Sky Conference, averaging 2.14 bps.
LENDING A HAND:
Junior college transfer Nellie Stevenson is averaging 8.16 assists per set. Last week, the transfer from Feather River (CA) College dished out 69 assists and had two aces and 14 digs. Junior setter Audrey Hofer played in seven sets and notched five assists. The Helena Capital product also posted six digs. As a team, the Bobcat setters rank third in the Big Sky Conference dishing out 12.06 assists per set.
E-RADICK-CATION:
Sophomore middle Jordan Radick paced the Bobcats at the net last week with ten total blocks (1.43).
A PARTING NOTE:
Kira Thomsen's 4,024 career attacks rank 18th in Big Sky Conference history.
Montana State heads back on the Big Sky Conference road this week with a pair of matches away from the warm confines of Shroyer Gym. The Bobcats play at Portland State, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. (MT) in the Rose City, and close out the road-swing at Sacramento State, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. (MT) in The Nest.
QUICK RESET:
Montana State outside hitter Kira Thomsen and middle blocker Camryn Greenwald each recorded 13 kills to lift the Bobcats past Idaho 17-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-12, Saturday afternoon in front of a sold-out crowd of 1,527 in Shroyer Gym. With her 13 kills, Thomsen, a senior from Parker, Colo., moved into second on MSU's all-time career kills chart with 1,393 surpassing Bobcat Hall of Famer Brandy Anderson. Thomsen is 59 kills away from breaking Diane Terrall's (1978-81) all-time mark of 1,451 kills. Also reaching double-figure kills for MSU was Jourdain Kamps 11. Setter Nellie Stevenson dished out 37 assists and added six digs and a service ace. Defensively, the Bobcats were led by Lauren Lindseth with nine digs. Greenwald paced MSU at the net with six blocks. On a night when its offense struggled finding ways to score, Montana State relied on its defense for more swing opportunities which led to a 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 25-21 win over Eastern Washington, Thursday night in Shroyer Gym. Lindseth and junior Courtney Weatherby provided the spark the Bobcats needed defensively, registering 23 and 11 digs, respectively. Offensively, Thomsen guided MSU with a match-high 15 kills. She also added 11 digs for her seventh double-double of the season. Kamps, a product of Ennis, finished with nine kills and six blocks, while Greenwald chipped in eight kills and three blocks. Stevenson dished out 32 assists and added eight digs, four kills, two blocks and an ace in the victory.
RPI RANKINGS:
Weber State (116) is the highest ranked Big Sky school in the most recent RPI listing. The Wildcats are followed by Northern Colorado (117), Montana State (161), Sacramento State (162), Montana (178), Portland State (213), Northern Arizona (224), Eastern Washington (276), Idaho State (278), and Idaho (327).
FACTOID OF THE WEEK:
The Bobcats are on a current four-match win streak. They have also won three of their last four matches on the road, including wins at NAU and UNC.
SCOUTING REPORT:
Portland State is 10-8 overall and 3-4 in Big Sky Conference play after dropping a pair of Big Sky home matches last week to Idaho State (3-1) and Weber State (3-0). Against ISU, the Vikings were led by Gabby Hollins and Sophia Meyers with 15 and 14 kills, respectively. As a team, PSU hit .139 from the floor. Against Weber State, the Vikings hit .099. Hollins and Meyers again paced the Vikings with 12 and 11 kills, respectively. On the season, Hollins and Meyers are each averaging 3.57 kills per set. Hollins has a current .237 attack mark, while Meyers is at .182. Sacramento State is 13-8 overall and 6-1 in Big Sky action. The Hornets host Montana on Thursday before meeting the Bobcats on Saturday afternoon. Based on Thursday's outcomes, the two schools could be playing for first place on Saturday afternoon in The Nest. Last week, Sacramento State dropped a 3-0 decision at home to Weber State, before rebounding with a 3-0 sweep of Idaho State. Against WSU, the Hornets were led by Bridgette Smith and Caitlin Volkmann with 13 kills apiece.
SERVING NOTICE:
Montana State is fourth in the Big Sky Conference, averaging 1.65 aces per set. The number ranks 105th in the nation. Individually, Kira Thomsen is fifth in the league averaging .34 aces per set.
PACKING THE PLACE:
Montana State finished 39th in the nation averaging 1,292 fans per game, last fall. On Sept. 30, 2022, Montana State set a Big Sky Conference and State of Montana record when 6,457 fans jammed Worthington Arena. MSU's average attendance was higher than notable programs such as UCLA, LSU, and Notre Dame. The Cats are currently averaging 705 fans per match.
AMONG THE NATION'S ELITE:
Bobcat senior outside hitter Kira Thomsen ranks second in the Big Sky Conference in attacks, averaging 11.18 swings per set. That number also ranks 20th in the nation. In addition, the product of Parker, Colorado is first in the Big Sky averaging 3.92 kills per set, which is the 41st best average in the country. Thomen's 4.47 points per set are tops in the Big Sky and rank 44th overall.
AMONG THE NATION'S ELITE x2:
As a unit, the Bobcats are third in the Big Sky Conference averaging 36.06 swings per set, which ranks 49th in the nation. MSU also paces the Big Sky averaging 13.03 kills per contest, which ranks 76th in the country. In addition, the Bobcats are third in the Big Sky averaging 12.06 assists per contest, which ranks 81st in the nation, as well.
WE GET THE POINT:
As a team, Montana State is fourth in the Big Sky Conference averaging 16.82 points per set. Individually, MSU's Kira Thomsen leads the league at 4.47 pps, while Jourdain Kamps is tenth at 3.60 pps.
GOTTA DIG IT:
MSU libero Lauren Lindseth ranks seventh in the Big Sky averaging 3.86 saves per game. Last week she totaled 32 (4.00) saves as MSU defeated Eastern Washington and Idaho. On Aug. 31, Lindseth recorded a career-high 34 digs against St. Thomas (MN). She has recorded 14 matches in double-digit digs this fall. Last season, Lindseth was in double-digit digs in 22 matches, including a streak of 13 consecutive matches in double-figures. In addition, she went over the 20-dig plateau on nine occasions. Her 475 digs last fall ranks fifth in a single season at MSU. Lindseth earned All-Big Sky Tourney honors after averaging 3.56 digs in two matches, which included 24 digs in MSU's quarterfinal upset over Weber State.
LINDSETH LEGACY:
Sophomore libero Lauren Lindseth is part of Bobcat history as one-half of the first mother/daughter duo to play volleyball at MSU. Lindseth's mother - Kelly Modrow (MOD-row) - played for the Blue and Gold from 1992-1996. The native of Minnetonka, Minn., (Hopkins HS) played in 110 matches and 359 sets. In all, Modrow's career totals include: 889 kills, 733 digs, 128 blocks and 87 service aces wearing the No. 2 jersey, as well.
THE MENACE FROM ENNIS:
Jourdain (Klein) Kamps is another Bobcat enjoying an outstanding season to date. She is averaging 2.91 kills per set, while hitting a team-best .287 from the floor. In addition, she is averaging 1.74 digs and .98 blocks per contest and has chipped in 11 aces. The product of Ennis, Mont., has been in double-figure kills in 12 of 17 matches, including a season-best 18 kills at Northern Arizona. Last week against Eastern Washington and Idaho, she averaged 2.50 kills, 1.25 digs and 1.00 blocks per set. Kamps currently ranks ninth in the Big Sky with a .287 attack mark and is tenth in points (3.60 ppg). Kamps was a Second Team All-Big Sky pick in the spring of 2021 after averaging 1.49 kills and .97 blocks per set in the shortened 15-match season. Last year, she totaled 242 kills (1.98 kps). Kamps recorded a career-high 23 kills at Eastern Washington and had six matches hitting .300 or better. Kamps also posted 100 blocks, averaging .82 per contest. Kamps moved into seventh on Montana State's all-time block assists chart with a career total is 298, last week.
TOUTING THOMSEN:
Senior outside hitter Kira Thomsen, a three-time all-Big Sky Conference selection, is having an impressive final season with the Bobcats. She currently leads the league in kills per set (3.92) and points (4.47). Thomsen's 2.43 digs per set is second on the Bobcat squad, while her .228 attack mark is third best. This season, Thomsen has been in double-digit kills in 14 of 17 matches, including a season-high 28 kills against St. Thomas (MN). She had a 19-match streak of double-figure kills dating back to Oct. 22, 2022, snapped after recording four against Cal on Sept. 15. Last season, Thomsen recorded a career-high 32 kills in MSU's 3-2 win over Portland State. Her 1,393 career kills rank second on MSU's all-time kills chart (59 shy of breaking Diane Terrall's all-time mark) and her 4,024 total career attacks is the most all-time. Thomsen went over the 1,000-career digs mark against Nevada making her tenth member of MSU's 1,000-Dig Club. She is now just one of four players in Montana State history to record 1,000 kills/digs - joining Meggie Malyurek, Stephanie Laya, and Mindy Nowak. On Nov. 18, 2022, Thomsen was named the GameChanger/AVCA Division National Player of the Week (the first in MSU history) after averaging 6.0 kills and 6.4 points per set as MSU knocked off Portland State and Sacramento State. Last week, she totaled 28 kills (3.50) and 19 digs (2.38). Thomsen also recorded five blocks in the 8 sets.
HARD BLOCK CAFE`:
Montana State averaged 2.50 blocks per set last week, led by Jourdain Radick (1.43), Camryn Greenwald (1.13) and Jourdain Kamps (1.00). Sophomore middle blocker Jordan Radick and Kamps rank eighth and tenth, respectively in the Big Sky, averaging1.03 and .98 blocks per set. As a team, the Bobcats rank fourth in the Big Sky Conference, averaging 2.14 bps.
LENDING A HAND:
Junior college transfer Nellie Stevenson is averaging 8.16 assists per set. Last week, the transfer from Feather River (CA) College dished out 69 assists and had two aces and 14 digs. Junior setter Audrey Hofer played in seven sets and notched five assists. The Helena Capital product also posted six digs. As a team, the Bobcat setters rank third in the Big Sky Conference dishing out 12.06 assists per set.
E-RADICK-CATION:
Sophomore middle Jordan Radick paced the Bobcats at the net last week with ten total blocks (1.43).
A PARTING NOTE:
Kira Thomsen's 4,024 career attacks rank 18th in Big Sky Conference history.
Players Mentioned
MB/OH
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
L/DS
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
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