(Editor’s note: Montana State Athletics press release)
BOZEMAN — Coming off a two-game winning streak, the Montana State Bobcats (10-13, 5-7) fell to the University of Northern Colorado Bears (11-9, 7-4), Friday night in the Shroyer Gym. The Bears out-served the Bobcats 7-0, winning in straight sets 25-18, 25-16, 25-16.
An energized Bears team came out in the first set, getting to every Bobcat attack, compiling three first set blocks. The Bears blew the set open in the middle, taking a 17-11 lead and the Bobcats could never recover.
“They came out and served really tough and we couldn’t handle it with our passing,” said MSU head coach Daniel Jones. “Our game plan is always to serve tough and try and get them out of system and we were unsuccessful in that tonight. I don’t think we were aggressive enough from the service line, we were on our heels the whole night.”
MSU got out-hit .250 to .082. The Bobcats were led by Hannah Scott and Hailey Merkes, combining for 13 kills and Carina Lehto’s 11 digs.
Playing five conference matches in the last 15 days, the Bobcats have a much deserved six-day break. Dealing with a packed schedule and injuries, MSU had an off night.
“We’re beat up,” said Jones. “We’ve got a lot of sore bodies and we’ve done really well to pick up the two wins that we had, prior to today. I’m really proud of the girls for the effort and the tenacity they’ve fought with. I’m excited to give them the day off tomorrow, give them the opportunity to rest and feel better.”
Northern Colorado was led by Kortney Lockey and Brittany Lawrence’s 25 kills
The Bobcats return to the court next Thursday, Nov. 1, in the Shroyer Gym against Southern Utah.
