Bobcats Back in Win Column with UIC Sweep - Montana State University Athletics

Saturday, September 5

St. Paul, MN

11:00 am MT

Montana State University

4-2,0-0Big Sky

UIC

1-5,0-0MVC

Team	1	2	3	Final F
UIC	20	18	21	0
Montana St.	25	25	25	3

Box Score (PDF)

9/5/2026 1:41:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score GM6 - Montana State 3, UIC 0

By: Kate Cooney

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Montana State Volleyball found its way back into the win column, defeating UIC in a Saturday sweep on the final day of the Tommie Invitational.

The Bobcats (4-2) led the way for the majority of the match, with just five lead changes throughout three sets. Outpacing the Flames (1-5) in nearly every category, Montana State finished with 43 kills and the team's highest hitting percentage of the season (.323).

UIC won the first points of the day, and the Bobcats trailed to the 12-12 mark before flipping the score in their favor and holding the lead to a 25-20 first set. The second started in a similar fashion with the Flames leading until the teams were tied at nine points each, but Montana State won the next point and finished ahead 25-18. The Bobcats took control in the third and final set, leading from the opening point until the final whistle at 25-20.

Montana State's starting lineup was effective and efficient, led by Karli Heidemann who had her best performance of the season with 12 kills, seven digs and a .391 hitting percentage. Fellow senior Joelie Spelts had another double-digit kill performance with 10 kills while hitting .475. Spelts added five blocks, leading the Bobcats defensive efforts at the net.

Elli Tufto, Lauren Greeny, and Alice Steman all contributed 5 or more kills and each had a pair of blocks. The sole substitution for the Bobcats was freshman Taylor McDonald, who came off the bench in all three sets and added a kill, one service ace and three digs.

Over the three-day tournament, Spelts was outstanding for the Bobcats, leading the team with 38 kills, 16 blocks and a .492 hitting percentage. Three other MSU players, Greeny, Heidemann and Tufto, joined Spelts with 20-plus kills. Nicolette Noble had another notable defensive weekend with 37 digs and a .942 reception percentage while handling libero duties for the Bobcats.

The Bobcats' return to Bozeman for their home opener on Sept. 10, the first of a three-game tournament featuring North Dakota State and Portland. Season and single-match tickets are on sale now.

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For the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the Montana State women's volleyball team, follow the Bobcats @MSUBobcatsVB on X, Instagram, and Facebook. Information on the Montana State athletic program can be found online at msubobcats.com or by following @MSUBobcats on X, @MontanaStateBobcats on Instagram, and @Montana State Bobcats on Facebook.