Cats ground Eagles in homecoming win

As is the case every year, MSU volleyball wrapped up homecoming weekend with a match in Shroyer Gym on Saturday, Oct. 13. This year the MSU hosted the Eastern Washington Eagles. Eastern came into the match struggling, owning a 0-7 record in Big Sky play. The Cats were hungry for a win following a four-set-loss to Idaho on Oct. 11. In front of a packed crowd, the Cats gave fans a show to top off the spirited week.

The Bobcats came out strong with close wins in the first two sets by means of 25-21 and 25-19 wins. With the smell of victory in the air, the Cats needed only one set to complete the win. But the Eagles wouldn’t go down without a fight and clawed their way back into the match, eventually evening the match at two apiece after 25-23 and 25-21 sets. With a decisive fifth set on the horizon, the Cats knew it would be a fight.

In a back-and-forth affair, the Cats and Eagles traded points until the score aligned at 13-13, each team only needing two points to capture the match. Senior outside hitter Natalie Passeck found her way through the Eastern defense with a spike to put the Cats a single point away. Sophomore middle blocker Kelsie White served the final point which went back-and-forth in an impressive volley. With one swing of the arm, the game was over as Eastern Washington put a kill attempt out of bounds, sealing a victory for the Cats.

Passeck and sophomore outside hitter Hannah Scott combined for an outstanding 35 kills with 18 and 17 respectively to lead the Cats. Junior libero Allyssa Rizzo again had herself a night, tallying 28 digs to pace the Bobcats on defense. Sophomore setter Carina Lehto impressed with 57 assists in the Cats’ win.

With an overall record of 8-11 and a 3-5 record in Big Sky play, the Cats look to gain conference wins as they travel to take on Sacramento State on Oct. 18 and Portland State on Oct. 20. Following the week-long roadtrip, the Cats will return to Shroyer to take on rival, University of Montana, on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

Note: Reminder, MSU students get into all home volleyball games for free by simply scanning your CatCard at the door.