Montana State volleyball proves its Blue and Gold spirit

The Montana State volleyball team dominated Sacramento State on the court Thursday, Oct. 14. The first set was a tense exchange. The score remained close, and both teams were playing very well. The set finally ended 25-22 with senior outside hitter Hannah Scott acing the final point, barely tipping the ball over the net. The second set started hot, with Scott proving herself again with a spectacular dive and roll to keep the ball in play. Despite great effort, Sacramento won the second set, tying up the match.

The intense energy of the MSU team was apparent throughout the game. Cheering and dancing, the players watching from the bench motivated their team throughout the entire match.

From the start of the third set, it was obvious the Cats were the dominant team. The Cats gained a quick 10 point lead and held it to the end, winning 25-14. The fourth set was just like the third, ending with a score of 25-13. The Cats won the match 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-14, 25-13).

Scott continued to be a standout player. She is a leader on the court and tallied 19 points, more than any player that night. On top of that, she tallied up four aces.

Another stand out player was sophomore outside hitter Kira Thomsen. Thomsen always seemed to have her game face on. “Kira wanted the ball and when she gets that look in her eye, very few can stop that,” Head Coach Daniel Jones said. She scored 18.5 points, and that was only part of her contribution to the team. Her quick reaction time and fast feet saved many spikes from Sacramento. She ended up with 18 digs in the match.

The volleyball team had another match on Saturday against Portland State. Unfortunately, the Cats didn’t get the desired outcome, losing 1-3 (32-34. 25-17, 27-25, 17-25). “As hard as it is to lose that match, I truly believe we are right where we need to be. Portland State showed us where we need to improve to win a Big Sky championship,” Jones said.

Thomsen scored 15 kills, leading the team. Scott recorded 13. Both athletes had great plays keeping Montana State in the match. Senior libero Libby Christensen had 19 digs.

The Cats will hit the road to take on Northern Arizona in Flagstaff on Thursday, Oct. 21, followed by a match at Southern Utah on Saturday, Oct. 23.