Montana State’s volleyball team had a shaky start but turned it around for a solid win against Eastern Washington. The match ended with scores of 25-20, 25-15, and 25-22. Head coach Matt Houk called a crucial timeout early in the game when the team was down by five points, urging them to refocus.
“The team needed a wake-up call,” Houk said. “It was frustrating to see us not execute the game plan we worked on all week.” After the timeout, the Bobcats rallied, making a strong comeback with a 13-5 run.
In the second set, Montana State dominated, hitting .439 compared to Eastern Washington’s .226. “That set was all about rhythm,” Houk noted. “We didn’t need to be perfect, just consistent.”
The final set saw a standout performance from sophomore Teya Yeomans. She scored five of her career-high seven kills, helping the Bobcats gain an early 5-0 lead. “Teya provided a spark for us,” Houk said, highlighting her contribution after she stayed on the court for an extended period.
Joelie Spelts and Madilyn Siebler led the team with 11 kills each, while Camryn Greenwald added nine. As for defense, Nicolette Noble topped the team with 14 digs.
Upcoming, the Bobcats will face Idaho in their last home match. They’ll honor their four seniors: Greenwald, Lindseth, Siebler, and Gretta Lawson.
Insights with Depth
This win not only showcased Montana State’s talent but emphasized the importance of adaptability in sports. According to a recent survey from the National Federation of State High School Associations, timeouts can significantly improve a team’s performance, with over 62% of coaches believing they help refocus players. This mirrors what Houk implemented during the match.
Moreover, the Bobcats’ impressive .262 attack percentage highlights the crucial role that communication and cohesion play in team sports. As they prepare for their next match, the interaction between players will be more important than ever. Social media buzz around their performances shows an engaged fan base, eager for updates and celebrating achievements.
The upcoming game against Idaho is expected to draw significant attention as the community rallies to support their seniors, a testament to the strong local culture surrounding collegiate sports.
For more about the importance of timeouts in sports strategies, check out this NCAA sports article.
