Bobcats fall to Grizzlies in Brawl of the Wild volleyball

Bobcat volleyball gave its all in Friday night's Brawl of the Wild match, but the University of Montana (UM) Grizzlies proved sharper at the net and claimed a four-set victory.

The match took place on Nov. 7 in the Worthington Arena. The ‘Cats competed in front of a season-high crowd of 4,917, attempting to defend their 2024 Brawl of the Wild title. The match resulted in a 3-1 loss for MSU in four trying sets. 

The Bobcats won the first set of the match 25-19, with a 0.237 hitting percentage to the Grizzlies’ 0.333. The set ended with MSU securing 14 kills, 3 errors and 33 total attempts, compared to UM’s 15 kills, 6 errors and 38 total attempts. MSU used a late 4-0 scoring run to clinch the set.

The Bobcats lost the second set 25-21, tying the match 1-1. The Grizzlies led the hitting percentage 0.273 to MSU’s 0.229. The third set was close, with UM pulling away late to break the tie. The Grizzlies won 25-23 to lead the match 2-1, with MSU hitting 0.281 to UM’s 0.242. The ‘Cats committed four service errors in set three.

In the fourth and final set, the Grizzlies secured the win 3-1, out-hitting the Bobcats 0.412 to 0.098.

The Bobcats had a good rhythm and play style in the first set, but the Grizzlies ultimately triumphed, breaking their five-match losing streak against the ‘Cats.

“We didn't play good enough for long enough to deserve to win tonight," said Head Coach Matt Houk. "I thought we came out in set one and really played the way we had practiced all week, but then we got out of rhythm and just never got back on the right track."

The Grizzlies’ win didn’t come without a struggle.

"That is a really good team and there were a lot of battles and I just loved our response every time," said UM’s Head Coach Allison Lawrence. "When they showed more pressure or physicality, I feel like we had to respond to it."

Despite their loss, the Bobcats fought hard throughout the match to score points for their season and display their skills as athletes. 

Senior middle blocker Camryn Greenwald led the Bobcats with 13 kills, a 0.355 offensive conversion and five successful blocks. MSU’s other middle, Joelie Spelts, had 13 kills and a 0.435 attack mark with four successful blocks. The ‘Cat hitters finished with 26 kills at the end of the match. 

"I thought [Greenwald] did a nice job start to finish, but we just didn't give her enough support," Houk said. 

Throughout the match, the Worthington Arena was buzzing with energy and support for the Bobcats. The game was a ‘Gold Out’ theme, as students and fans were decked out in gold and yellow MSU merchandise. 

According to student attendees, all Cat-Griz sports events — not just the annual Brawl of the Wild football game — are important for MSU’s culture.

“It’s not just about football. It’s also volleyball, basketball, track — you get what I mean,” said sociology major Caroline Odom. “Anytime we play the Griz, I’m there. The energy is always there. It kind of feels like the whole school is here [tonight].” 

The rivalry was on display in the audience, with several students carrying signs that read “FTG!” and “better dead in Bozeman than alive in Missoula.”

“I think the message is short and simple. F--k the Grizzlies,” said business major Nikolai Wallery. “Eat crap, Grizzlies. Go ‘Cats go.”

The match put women's volleyball in the mainstream with a season-record attendance and was streamed exclusively on ESPN+. On average, MSU volleyball’s attendance is 1,115, but Friday night's game was 4,917, higher than any attendance last season, according to the MSU Athletics website.

MSU volleyball alumna Raelene Gatewood said that the game of volleyball is very special to her, as it provides more scholarships for female athletes. 

“I think it's very inspirational and powerful for us as women,” she said. “On an NCAA level, there are less scholarships for women, so the fact that you are able to make it a scholarship — a full ride or partial ride in sport — is a huge accomplishment.”

While the Brawl of the Wild volleyball games date back to 1975, in 2021 the schools invented a unique award for the victor known as the Main Line Trophy. Since its creation, the trophy has resided in Bozeman for seven of 11 matches, according to the MSU Athletics website.

“The winner of the match keeps the trophy, which is a symbol of longevity, resilience and strength by the hardiest citizenry of the Treasure State,” said MSU Athletics Communications Director Tom Schulz.

The Grizzlies have been defeated by the Bobcats 61 times since 1975; the series now sits at a 61-62 record, according to the MSU Athletics website.

“[The Grizzlies’] last win in the series was Sept. 29, 2023, in Dahlberg Arena. UM's last win in Bozeman was a 3-1 decision on Sept. 30, 2022,” Schulz said.

The Bobcats faced the Grizzlies earlier this season on Oct. 11, winning 3-2 across five sets.

MSU has had a tough season so far, going into Friday’s game with 11 wins and 12 losses. The Bobcats will return to practice on Monday with things to work on before their next match this week on Thursday, according to Houk. 

“[It’ll] be a tough weekend to just sit with that, but come Monday, we're going to have to turn the page and get ready for our next opponents," Houk said.

The Bobcats face Eastern Washington University at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Shroyer Gym. To learn more about Bobcat Volleyball, visit https://msubobcats.com/sports/womens-volleyball, or follow the team on Instagram @msubobcatsvb.