Friday, September 29
Missoula, Mont.
6 p.m.
Montana State University
at
Montana
Madilyn Siebler (11).
Photo by: Jared Shockley
Cats Face Griz Friday Night
9/27/2023 5:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Montana State faces rival Montana on Friday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. in Dahlberg Arena in its only contest of the week.
NEXT UP:
Montana State faces rival Montana on Friday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. in Dahlberg Arena in its only contest of the week.
CAT-GRIZ:
Montana State owns a 61-60 advantage in the all-time series dating back to 1975. Montana has won the last three meetings, including a pair of victories last season. MSU's last win over the Grizzlies (3-0) came on Sept. 21, 2021, in Missoula. Outside of the Brawl of the Wild Trophy point, which is up for grabs on Friday, the two programs will vie for the Main Line Trophy - a volleyball specific trophy between the two clubs. The first Main Line match came on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14, 2021) during the winter Covid season. The Bobcats won the first three Main Line Trophy battles, while the Grizzlies have captured the last three matches.
MAIN LINE TROPHY:
The Main Line Trophy is a symbol of longevity, resilience, and strength. It is a whimsical throwback to the early mining boom and the railroad that brought only the hardiest citizenry to the Treasure State. It was a time when you could hear the railway bells resonating from Hellgate to Gateway. Throughout history, railroads have connected regions and states, but they have also connected time and eras. It is no different with the annual Cat-Griz volleyball rivalry.
QUICK RESET:
Montana State had its best offensive night since early August hitting an impressive .320 from the floor to post a 25-18, 25-20, 25-15 victory over Idaho State on Saturday night in Shroyer Gym. Bobcat setter Nellie Stevenson dished out 32 assists to go along with four kills, two aces and two blocks in one of her best outings of the season. Camryn Greenwald paced the Bobcats with nine kills, a .389 attack mark and five blocks, while Jourdain Kamps chipped in seven kills, a .286 attack mark and a match-high six blocks. Madilyn Siebler and Lauren Lindseth also contributed to the Bobcat effort. Siebler finished with eight kills, a .412 attack mark and a match-high 14 digs, while Lindseth also hit double-digit digs with 12 saves. Kira Thomsen set the tone from the service line with four aces, including three early in the opening set getting Idaho State off balance. Montana State opened its Big Sky Conference volleyball slate with a straight set 25-23, 25-22, 25-15 victory over Idaho on Thursday night in Moscow. Thomsen paced the Bobcats with a match-high 12 kills, while posting a .323 attack mark, three aces, seven digs and a block. Greenwald also posted a strong stat line with seven kills and a .400 attack mark. For the match, MSU outhit Idaho .273 to .218 and held advantages in kills, aces, and blocks.
NCAA DIVISION I RPI RANKINGS THROUGH GAMES, 09/23/2023:
Portland State (111) is the highest ranked Big Sky school in the most recent RPI listing. The Vikings are followed by Montana State (118), Northern Colorado (142), Sacramento State (157), Weber State (168), Montana (197), Northern Arizona (238), Eastern Washington (273), Idaho State (301), and Idaho (331).
SCOUTING REPORT:
Montana is 5-9 overall and 1-1 in Big Sky Conference play after splitting a pair of matches last week. The Grizzlies dropped a 3-1 decision to Weber State in Dahlberg Arena on Thursday night, before traveling to Eastern Washington where it swept the Eagles 3-0 in Cheney. Under the direction of seventh-year head coach Allison Lawrence, UM has notched wins over Binghamton, Green Bay, New Mexico, South Dakota State and EWU. Two of its nine losses came at the hands of #5 Pitt and #17 BYU. The Grizzlies have been led by Paige Clark, who is averaging 3.15 kills and 3.68 points per set. Clark, a 6-1 junior outside hitter from Idaho Falls, Idaho was a First Team All-Big Sky selection last fall after leading the league in kills. Also contributing to the UM attack are Maddie Kremer and Madi Chuhlantseff, who average 2.69 and 1.96 kills per set, respectively. Defensively, Alexis Batezel paces UM averaging 4.11 digs per set, while Ellie Scherffius paces the Grizzlies at the net averaging 1.09 blocks per contest.
AMONG THE NATION'S ELITE:
Bobcat senior outside hitter Kira Thomsen has established herself as one of the elite offensive players in the nation. The 5-10 product of Parker, Colo., leads the Big Sky averaging 4.00 kills per set. That mark also ranks 40th in the country. Her 11.49 attacks per set rank 17th in the nation and tops in the Big Sky. Thomsen's 4.67 points per game ranks 38th in the country and from the endline, she leads the Big Sky averaging .53 aces per set, which ranks 25th in the nation. In all, she is listed among the top 10 in eight different NCAA statistical categories.
AMONG THE NATION'S ELITE x2:
As a team the Cats rank 28th in the country and first in the Big Sky averaging 36.84 attacks per set and are 59th in the nation at 13.36 kills per set.
SERVING NOTICE:
Montana State is second in the Big Sky Conference, averaging 1.87 aces per set. The number ranks 41st in the nation. Individually, Kira Thomsen leads the league averaging .53 aces per set, which ranks 25th in the country. Thomsen posted seven aces in six sets last week.
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 Indiana, UCLA, LSU, and Notre Dame. Montana State is currently averaging 705 fans per match.
WE GET THE POINT:
As a team, Montana State leads the Big Sky Conference averaging 17.38 points per set. Senior Kira Thomsen is second in the league and 38th in the nation, averaging 4.67 per contest. Junior Jourdain Kamps is tenth in the Big Sky averaging 3.46 points per set.
GOTTA DIG IT:
MSU libero Lauren Lindseth ranks fifth in the Big Sky averaging 3.96 saves per game. Last week at the she totaled 17 digs, averaging 2.83 per set. Her streak of nine double-figure dig matches was snapped after recording six saves in MSU's 3-0 loss to Cal on Sept. 15. A month ago, Lindseth recorded a career-high 34 saves against St. Thomas (MN). Last season, she played in all 30 matches and 122 sets and 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. She also guided the Cats from the service line with a team-best 33 aces.
TOUTING THOMSEN:
Senior outside hitter Kira Thomsen, a three-time all-Big Sky Conference selection, is off to an impressive start for the Bobcats. Thomsen currently leads the league in kills per set (4.00) and is second in points (4.67). Thomsen's 2.56 digs per set is third on the Bobcat squad, while her .226 attack mark is third best. This season, Thomsen has been in double-digit kills in 10 of 12 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 1,318 career kills rank fourth on MSU's all-time kills chart and her 3,814 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 weekend, she totaled 18 kills and 16 digs with a .278 attack mark. Thomsen also chipped in seven aces and two blocks.
THE MENACE FROM ENNIS:
Jourdain (Klein) Kamps is another Bobcat to get out of the gates early. On the season, she is averaging 2.80 kills per set, while hitting a team-best .285 from the floor. In addition, she is averaging 1.69 digs and .91 blocks per contest and has chipped in eight aces. The product of Ennis, Mont., has been in double-figure kills in nine of 12 matches, including a season-best 14 kills on two occasions. Last week in wins over Idaho and Idaho State, Kamps averaged 1.83 kills, 1.67 digs and 1.67 blocks per set. She posted seven kills and six blocks in MSU's home-opener against Idaho State. Kamps is currently ranked eighth in the Big Sky Conference with a .295 attack mark and is tenth in points (3.46 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 played in all 30 matches and 122 sets, totaling 242 kills (1.98 kps). She 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.
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.
HARD BLOCK CAFE`:
Montana State finished last week averaging 2.33 blocks per set against Idaho and Idaho State. MSU middle blocker Jordan Radick and utility player Avery Turnage rank seventh and eighth averaging 1.04 and 1.03 blocks per set, respectively. As a team, the Bobcats are ranked fourth in the Big Sky (2.16 bps), behind Weber State, Sacramento State and Portland State.
LENDING A HAND:
Junior college transfer Nellie Stevenson averaged 8.67 assists per set against Idaho and Idaho State, last week. For the two matches, the transfer from Feather River (CA) College also chipped in one kill per and 1.67 digs per set. Junior setter Audrey Hofer played in three sets last week and averaged 2.33 assists per set. The Helena Capital product posted a season-best 35 assists in MSU's win over Kennesaw State. Sophomore Nellie Reese saw action at the setting spot in one set at Idaho and averaged 3.00 assists. As a unit, the Bobcat setters rank first in the Big Sky dishing out 12.47 aps.
A PARTING NOTE:
MSU coach Matt Houk was 2-0 against UM while at So. Dakota.
Montana State faces rival Montana on Friday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. in Dahlberg Arena in its only contest of the week.
CAT-GRIZ:
Montana State owns a 61-60 advantage in the all-time series dating back to 1975. Montana has won the last three meetings, including a pair of victories last season. MSU's last win over the Grizzlies (3-0) came on Sept. 21, 2021, in Missoula. Outside of the Brawl of the Wild Trophy point, which is up for grabs on Friday, the two programs will vie for the Main Line Trophy - a volleyball specific trophy between the two clubs. The first Main Line match came on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14, 2021) during the winter Covid season. The Bobcats won the first three Main Line Trophy battles, while the Grizzlies have captured the last three matches.
MAIN LINE TROPHY:
The Main Line Trophy is a symbol of longevity, resilience, and strength. It is a whimsical throwback to the early mining boom and the railroad that brought only the hardiest citizenry to the Treasure State. It was a time when you could hear the railway bells resonating from Hellgate to Gateway. Throughout history, railroads have connected regions and states, but they have also connected time and eras. It is no different with the annual Cat-Griz volleyball rivalry.
QUICK RESET:
Montana State had its best offensive night since early August hitting an impressive .320 from the floor to post a 25-18, 25-20, 25-15 victory over Idaho State on Saturday night in Shroyer Gym. Bobcat setter Nellie Stevenson dished out 32 assists to go along with four kills, two aces and two blocks in one of her best outings of the season. Camryn Greenwald paced the Bobcats with nine kills, a .389 attack mark and five blocks, while Jourdain Kamps chipped in seven kills, a .286 attack mark and a match-high six blocks. Madilyn Siebler and Lauren Lindseth also contributed to the Bobcat effort. Siebler finished with eight kills, a .412 attack mark and a match-high 14 digs, while Lindseth also hit double-digit digs with 12 saves. Kira Thomsen set the tone from the service line with four aces, including three early in the opening set getting Idaho State off balance. Montana State opened its Big Sky Conference volleyball slate with a straight set 25-23, 25-22, 25-15 victory over Idaho on Thursday night in Moscow. Thomsen paced the Bobcats with a match-high 12 kills, while posting a .323 attack mark, three aces, seven digs and a block. Greenwald also posted a strong stat line with seven kills and a .400 attack mark. For the match, MSU outhit Idaho .273 to .218 and held advantages in kills, aces, and blocks.
NCAA DIVISION I RPI RANKINGS THROUGH GAMES, 09/23/2023:
Portland State (111) is the highest ranked Big Sky school in the most recent RPI listing. The Vikings are followed by Montana State (118), Northern Colorado (142), Sacramento State (157), Weber State (168), Montana (197), Northern Arizona (238), Eastern Washington (273), Idaho State (301), and Idaho (331).
SCOUTING REPORT:
Montana is 5-9 overall and 1-1 in Big Sky Conference play after splitting a pair of matches last week. The Grizzlies dropped a 3-1 decision to Weber State in Dahlberg Arena on Thursday night, before traveling to Eastern Washington where it swept the Eagles 3-0 in Cheney. Under the direction of seventh-year head coach Allison Lawrence, UM has notched wins over Binghamton, Green Bay, New Mexico, South Dakota State and EWU. Two of its nine losses came at the hands of #5 Pitt and #17 BYU. The Grizzlies have been led by Paige Clark, who is averaging 3.15 kills and 3.68 points per set. Clark, a 6-1 junior outside hitter from Idaho Falls, Idaho was a First Team All-Big Sky selection last fall after leading the league in kills. Also contributing to the UM attack are Maddie Kremer and Madi Chuhlantseff, who average 2.69 and 1.96 kills per set, respectively. Defensively, Alexis Batezel paces UM averaging 4.11 digs per set, while Ellie Scherffius paces the Grizzlies at the net averaging 1.09 blocks per contest.
AMONG THE NATION'S ELITE:
Bobcat senior outside hitter Kira Thomsen has established herself as one of the elite offensive players in the nation. The 5-10 product of Parker, Colo., leads the Big Sky averaging 4.00 kills per set. That mark also ranks 40th in the country. Her 11.49 attacks per set rank 17th in the nation and tops in the Big Sky. Thomsen's 4.67 points per game ranks 38th in the country and from the endline, she leads the Big Sky averaging .53 aces per set, which ranks 25th in the nation. In all, she is listed among the top 10 in eight different NCAA statistical categories.
AMONG THE NATION'S ELITE x2:
As a team the Cats rank 28th in the country and first in the Big Sky averaging 36.84 attacks per set and are 59th in the nation at 13.36 kills per set.
SERVING NOTICE:
Montana State is second in the Big Sky Conference, averaging 1.87 aces per set. The number ranks 41st in the nation. Individually, Kira Thomsen leads the league averaging .53 aces per set, which ranks 25th in the country. Thomsen posted seven aces in six sets last week.
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 Indiana, UCLA, LSU, and Notre Dame. Montana State is currently averaging 705 fans per match.
WE GET THE POINT:
As a team, Montana State leads the Big Sky Conference averaging 17.38 points per set. Senior Kira Thomsen is second in the league and 38th in the nation, averaging 4.67 per contest. Junior Jourdain Kamps is tenth in the Big Sky averaging 3.46 points per set.
GOTTA DIG IT:
MSU libero Lauren Lindseth ranks fifth in the Big Sky averaging 3.96 saves per game. Last week at the she totaled 17 digs, averaging 2.83 per set. Her streak of nine double-figure dig matches was snapped after recording six saves in MSU's 3-0 loss to Cal on Sept. 15. A month ago, Lindseth recorded a career-high 34 saves against St. Thomas (MN). Last season, she played in all 30 matches and 122 sets and 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. She also guided the Cats from the service line with a team-best 33 aces.
TOUTING THOMSEN:
Senior outside hitter Kira Thomsen, a three-time all-Big Sky Conference selection, is off to an impressive start for the Bobcats. Thomsen currently leads the league in kills per set (4.00) and is second in points (4.67). Thomsen's 2.56 digs per set is third on the Bobcat squad, while her .226 attack mark is third best. This season, Thomsen has been in double-digit kills in 10 of 12 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 1,318 career kills rank fourth on MSU's all-time kills chart and her 3,814 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 weekend, she totaled 18 kills and 16 digs with a .278 attack mark. Thomsen also chipped in seven aces and two blocks.
THE MENACE FROM ENNIS:
Jourdain (Klein) Kamps is another Bobcat to get out of the gates early. On the season, she is averaging 2.80 kills per set, while hitting a team-best .285 from the floor. In addition, she is averaging 1.69 digs and .91 blocks per contest and has chipped in eight aces. The product of Ennis, Mont., has been in double-figure kills in nine of 12 matches, including a season-best 14 kills on two occasions. Last week in wins over Idaho and Idaho State, Kamps averaged 1.83 kills, 1.67 digs and 1.67 blocks per set. She posted seven kills and six blocks in MSU's home-opener against Idaho State. Kamps is currently ranked eighth in the Big Sky Conference with a .295 attack mark and is tenth in points (3.46 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 played in all 30 matches and 122 sets, totaling 242 kills (1.98 kps). She 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.
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.
HARD BLOCK CAFE`:
Montana State finished last week averaging 2.33 blocks per set against Idaho and Idaho State. MSU middle blocker Jordan Radick and utility player Avery Turnage rank seventh and eighth averaging 1.04 and 1.03 blocks per set, respectively. As a team, the Bobcats are ranked fourth in the Big Sky (2.16 bps), behind Weber State, Sacramento State and Portland State.
LENDING A HAND:
Junior college transfer Nellie Stevenson averaged 8.67 assists per set against Idaho and Idaho State, last week. For the two matches, the transfer from Feather River (CA) College also chipped in one kill per and 1.67 digs per set. Junior setter Audrey Hofer played in three sets last week and averaged 2.33 assists per set. The Helena Capital product posted a season-best 35 assists in MSU's win over Kennesaw State. Sophomore Nellie Reese saw action at the setting spot in one set at Idaho and averaged 3.00 assists. As a unit, the Bobcat setters rank first in the Big Sky dishing out 12.47 aps.
A PARTING NOTE:
MSU coach Matt Houk was 2-0 against UM while at So. Dakota.
Players Mentioned
MB/OH
/ Women's Volleyball
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/ Women's Volleyball
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/ Women's Volleyball
L/DS
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
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/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
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