Quality Depth Shines in Blue-Gold Scrimmage

Audrey Hofer (l), Karli Heidemann, and Jourdain Kamps celebrate a point during MSU's Blue-Gold scrimmage on Saturday afternoon in Shroyer Gym.

Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services

4/13/2024 6:19:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

“We’ve really been trying to improve systematically in two areas,” Houk said.

By: Tom Schulz

Second-year head coach Matt Houk has a problem. But it's a good problem.

On Saturday afternoon in Shroyer Gym, Houk saw exactly what he was looking for in Montana State's annual Blue-Gold scrimmage which the Gold claimed 25-19, 25-19, 25-27, 25-19.

"We've really been trying to improve systematically in two areas," Houk said. "On the offensive side to run a little bit faster to multiple zones and defensively, to be able to increase our range so that we are digging more balls and giving us more opportunities in transition to attack. And we saw both of those things happen a lot in the scrimmage."

Veteran outside hitters Madilyn Siebler and Courtney Weatherby, along with redshirt freshman Karli Heidemann took control of a position left vacant with the graduation of Kira Thomsen, the program's all-time career kills leader.

Siebler, a product of Omaha, Neb., recorded a match-high 15 kills, while Weatherby and Heidemann added 13 apiece. All three players registered 11 digs.

MSU's middle blocking contingent is considered one the teams' strengths heading into the 2024 campaign. Led by upperclassmen Jordan Radick and Camryn Greenwald and backed up by Joelie Spelts and Erika Gustafson the quartet combined for 28 kills and 17 blocks.

Fifth-year stalwart Jourdain Kamps anchored the opposite side posting nine kills, six blocks, ten digs and two aces, while Nellie Stevenson and Audrey Hofer battled at the setting position and defensive standouts Lauren Lindseth and Maci Abshier securing the back row.

Lindseth finished with 23 digs, while Abshier added 14 saves.

"Defensively, we were digging all kinds of shots that I don't think we were digging last fall," Houk said.

According to Houk, all twelve returners contributed significantly during the scrimmage which should make for solid competition in the starting rotation this fall. Last year's squad that recorded a school-record 24 victories and advanced to the NIVC Fab Four used quality depth to fastened itself in the Bobcat record book.

This year's squad, which Houk says is a totally different outfit, will also rely heavily on quality depth.

"It's a nice problem to have and a unique problem at the mid-major level," Houk said. "We have a battle on the outside, we have a massive battle in the middle with four athletes showing they have the ability, and they all got some different and unique talents and attributes across the board.

"And our young ones are really pushing the upperclassmen."

Montana State closes out its spring season hosting Montana on April 27.