Montana State Athletics: Cats Soar Over Eagles with a 5-Point Victory!

Montana State junior Joelie Spelts had an impressive night on the court, leading her team to a 3-2 win against Eastern Washington in their Big Sky Conference opener. Spelts scored 14 kills and boasted an impressive .722 hitting percentage, along with four solo blocks.

This 6-foot-3 middle blocker from Gillette, Wyoming, maintained a clean sheet until late in the match, finishing with just one hitting error on 18 attempts. In the fifth set alone, she recorded five kills and three blocks, showcasing her dominance. Additionally, she achieved a personal best with two aces.

“Joelie had an outstanding match,” said MSU head coach Matt Houk. He praised her performance, especially in the final two sets, calling her the spark the team needed.

The Bobcats began strong, outpacing Eastern Washington with a hitting percentage of .484 compared to the Eagles’ .273. “We started clean and controlled every part of the game,” Houk noted.

However, the momentum shifted in the second set. MSU had an early lead but allowed Eastern Washington to rally back with a strong 17-4 run, ultimately taking the set. The third set was also challenging for the Bobcats, as they struggled with serve-receive, giving up five aces.

Coach Houk acknowledged this issue, stating, “Giving up nine aces for the match is not typical for us.”

In the fourth set, the Bobcats rallied back. After trailing 5-7, they went on a 14-5 run, thanks in part to a key kill from Spelts. Back-to-back service aces from teammate Karli Heidemann helped them clinch the set, forcing a decisive fifth set.

The final set saw the Bobcats quickly regain control, building a 10-4 lead. Spelts’s final kill brought them to match point at 14-9. Despite Eastern Washington’s fightback, Spelts closed the match with another block, sealing the comeback victory.

“Winning on the road in the Big Sky is tough,” Houk reflected. “We performed well in sets one, four, and five. In the end, it’s about being in contention no matter how many sets it takes.”

Alongside Spelts, three other Bobcats had double-digit kills: Elli Tufto with 13, Makenzie Jackson with 12, and Heidemann also with 12. Setter Teagan Jaynes contributed significantly, with 43 assists, four aces, and seven digs. On defense, Lauren Lindseth stood out with 17 digs, supported by Heidemann and Afton Thomsen’s contributions.

As they prepare to face Portland State next, the Bobcats will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming match at Shroyer Gym.

For more insights into college volleyball performance metrics, you can check studies from the NCAA here that elaborate on player contributions, team dynamics, and strategies.

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