(Editor’s note: Montana State University press release)
BOZEMAN – The Montana State volleyball team concluded its spring season taking four sets from Montana State Billings in its scrimmage against the Yellowjackets on Saturday afternoon in Shroyer Gym.
The scrimmage ended eight weeks of offseason workouts for the Bobcats.
“MSU Billings pushed us and that’s a good thing,” said MSU head coach Daniel Jones. “Billings is a solid Division II program. I’m pleased with how we responded to the challenge.”
Bozeman product Allie Lynch and senior-to-be Sydney Mathison ran the Bobcat offense from the setting position as MSU held on for two-point wins in the first two sets. Kelsie White paced MSU’s offensive attack, while Hannah Scott, Evi Wilson and Hailey Merkes also made strong contributions.
“Kelsie really did some nice things offensively,” Jones commented. “I thought Hannah was strong with her passing and Evi and Hailey capped a very good spring season.”
Looking forward to the fall campaign, the Bobcats’ strength may rest with its backrow as Second-Team All-Big Sky performer Allyssa Rizzo, along with Libby Christensen and Lexi Goroski return for one of the Big Sky’s top defensive squads.
“(Allyssa) Rizzo was her typical self and that consistency really sets the tone for us,” Jones said. “Libby did a fine job and Goroski gave us some good momentum with her serving.”
The Bobcats will open their 2019 season in late August and will look to improve upon its 11-19 overall mark and 6-12 Big Sky slate from last season. MSU made its first Big Sky tournament appearance 2012 last fall.
“This is the best spring I’ve experienced,” Jones said. “We made gains in our strength and conditioning, and that was a priority for us. We were able to implement our offensive and defensive schemes and I felt we were pushing much harder in the final week than what we were in the first week of the spring.
“Most importantly, we stayed hungry and motivated,” Jones added. “We have a sustained level of passion and enthusiasm as we head into the off-season.”
