(Editor’s note: Montana State University media release)
FORT WORTH, Texas – Montana State libero Allyssa Rizzo became just the ninth member of the Bobcat 1,000-Dig Club after recording a match-high 23 digs, but it wasn’t enough as MSU’s late rally fell short. Louisiana handed the Cats a 25-22, 25-17, 23-25, 21-25, 15-8 setback at the Fight of the Fort Tournament hosted by TCU on Friday morning.
Louisiana (7-2) took the first two sets outhitting Montana State (2-5) .185 to .100. The Bobcats gained the momentum in the third frame breaking away from 18-all with three straight points. MSU closed out the set on a kill via Natalie Passeck.
The fourth set featured seven ties and four lead changes. Leading 18-17, MSU rattled off a 6-1 run sparked by two kills from Hannah Scott. The Bobcats evened the match at 2-2 as Passeck, again, closed out the set.
In the deciding fifth set, the Ragin’ Cajuns jumped out to an early 7-2 advantage and never looked back. The Bobcats closed to within 9-6, but Louisiana finished out the contest on a 6-2 run outhitting MSU .524 to .150.
“It was a tough outing,” said MSU second-year head coach Daniel Jones. “We had some impressive moments, but we just struggled to string them together at critical times. Serving errors stunted our momentum. I’m proud of the entire squad for the fight they showed to get us back into the match.”
Rizzo’s 23 digs gives her 1,001 for her three-year career. The 5-foot-6 standout from Crestwood, Ill., now has her sights set on the Montana State career record of 1,720 digs held by Kandice Kelly-Gregorak.
“It’s a fantastic and hard-earned milestone for her,” Jones said. “Allyssa’s dedication to her craft and her passion to achieve has got her to this point. We are all excited to see what the future holds and what she can help this team achieve.”
Evi Wilson led MSU with a team-high 12 kills, while Passeck and Scott added 11. Sophomore setter Allie Lynch dished out a career-high 43 assists and posted her first double-double of the season adding a career-best 14 digs.
MSU will face SMU on Friday afternoon.
