Thursday, September 10
Bozeman, MT
7:00 pm MT
Montana State University
vs
North Dakota State
Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
Montana State to Host NDSU, Portland for Bobcat Invitational
9/9/2026 11:44:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BOZEMAN, Mont. - Montana State Volleyball returns to Bozeman for the first match in Shroyer Gym this season at the three-day Bobcat Invitational beginning Sept. 10.
The tournament will begin with a 7 p.m. MT matchup between the Bobcats and the Bison on Thursday and conclude as MSU takes on Portland at 11 a.m. MT on Saturday. Portland and NDSU will face off in a neutral-site contest at 11 a.m. MT on Friday.
Montana State's matches will be available to watch on ESPN+, and live stats will be available for all three matches. Tickets for the Bobcat Invitational, as well as volleyball season tickets, are available now.
THE MATCHUPS
Thursday's meeting will mark the third between the Bobcats and the Bison. The teams have split the series so far, with MSU winning in Bozeman in 2005 and NSDU taking the most recent victory at home in 2022. Montana State has faced the Portland Pilots eight times, claiming the first four victories while Portland has won the last four.
SPELTS STANDING OUT
Senior Joelie Spelts has had a tremendous impact for the Bobcats through the first two weeks of the season. After earning a spot on the all-tournament team at Lafayette, she repeated the honors at St. Thomas after totaling 38 kills, a .492 hitting percentage, and 16 blocks.
1K CLUB
Sophomore Teagan Jaynes reached the 1,000 career assists mark with her third set at St. Thomas. After handling starting setter duties for the Bobcats last season, Jaynes has recorded 167 assists in six games this year.
TEE IT UP
Outside hitter and former MSU golfer, Lauren Greeny is high on the stat sheet in several categories after making her return to collegiate volleyball this season. After just two weeks, she has totaled 52 kills, 50 digs, and 21 total blocks.
NOBLE EFFORTS
After a standout season-opening performance in Easton, sophomore libero Nicolette Noble was named Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in her career. Starting all three matches in the first week of the season, Noble made a career-best 24 digs against Marist, contributing to her tournament total of 63, and recorded 16 assists, 56 receptions, and a .982 reception percentage. She is third in the Big Sky with 100 digs and a 4.00 average per set.
STARTING WITH A SWEEP
Montana State opened the season with a weekend sweep at the Maroon and White Classic. With three wins in two days, the Bobcats are off to their best start since Houk's inaugural season in 2023. The MSU trio of Elli Esko, Nicolette Noble and Joelie Spelts earned all-tournament honors in Easton. Esko made her collegiate debut, powering the offense with 33 kills and a .329 pct. Noble, also named tournament MVP, was a key component in the defense and passing game, while Spelts racked up 29 kills and 11 blocks.
Follow the Bobcats
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.
The tournament will begin with a 7 p.m. MT matchup between the Bobcats and the Bison on Thursday and conclude as MSU takes on Portland at 11 a.m. MT on Saturday. Portland and NDSU will face off in a neutral-site contest at 11 a.m. MT on Friday.
Montana State's matches will be available to watch on ESPN+, and live stats will be available for all three matches. Tickets for the Bobcat Invitational, as well as volleyball season tickets, are available now.
THE MATCHUPS
Thursday's meeting will mark the third between the Bobcats and the Bison. The teams have split the series so far, with MSU winning in Bozeman in 2005 and NSDU taking the most recent victory at home in 2022. Montana State has faced the Portland Pilots eight times, claiming the first four victories while Portland has won the last four.
SPELTS STANDING OUT
Senior Joelie Spelts has had a tremendous impact for the Bobcats through the first two weeks of the season. After earning a spot on the all-tournament team at Lafayette, she repeated the honors at St. Thomas after totaling 38 kills, a .492 hitting percentage, and 16 blocks.
1K CLUB
Sophomore Teagan Jaynes reached the 1,000 career assists mark with her third set at St. Thomas. After handling starting setter duties for the Bobcats last season, Jaynes has recorded 167 assists in six games this year.
TEE IT UP
Outside hitter and former MSU golfer, Lauren Greeny is high on the stat sheet in several categories after making her return to collegiate volleyball this season. After just two weeks, she has totaled 52 kills, 50 digs, and 21 total blocks.
NOBLE EFFORTS
After a standout season-opening performance in Easton, sophomore libero Nicolette Noble was named Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in her career. Starting all three matches in the first week of the season, Noble made a career-best 24 digs against Marist, contributing to her tournament total of 63, and recorded 16 assists, 56 receptions, and a .982 reception percentage. She is third in the Big Sky with 100 digs and a 4.00 average per set.
STARTING WITH A SWEEP
Montana State opened the season with a weekend sweep at the Maroon and White Classic. With three wins in two days, the Bobcats are off to their best start since Houk's inaugural season in 2023. The MSU trio of Elli Esko, Nicolette Noble and Joelie Spelts earned all-tournament honors in Easton. Esko made her collegiate debut, powering the offense with 33 kills and a .329 pct. Noble, also named tournament MVP, was a key component in the defense and passing game, while Spelts racked up 29 kills and 11 blocks.
Follow the Bobcats
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.
Players Mentioned
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
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/ Women's Volleyball
L/DS
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
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