(Editor's note: Montana State University media releases)
BOZEMAN -- Fresh off a 2-0 finish at the University of Montana Farmers State Bank Invitational in Missoula last weekend, and on a three-match winning streak, the Montana State volleyball team will open its 2019 home slate when it hosts Seattle U, Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. in Shroyer Gym.
Montana State (4-4) defeated UTEP 29-27, 25-22, 25-19 and Cal State Bakersfield 25-16, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20 over the weekend sparked by the play of senior Evi Wilson.
“Obviously, coming away with two wins was pretty satisfying,” said MSU third-year head coach Daniel Jones. “I think the most satisfying thing was the growth of the team and the adjustments they made over the weekend.”
Wilson, who was named Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Week, averaged 3.57 kills per set and hit an impressive .358, en route to being named to the all-tournament team. For the weekend, Wilson posted 25 kills and added 10 digs and three blocks. Wilson registered 10 kills, while committing just one error in 23 attempts against UTEP and followed that performance with 15 kills and a .333 attack mark against the Roadrunners.
For the season, Wilson is averaging 2.84 kills per set with a .204 attack mark.
“This honor for Evi is really a reflection of the whole team,” said Jones. “The efforts of the passing, the defense, the setting from Allie (Lynch) all set Evi up and no doubt, she’s been working her tail off to get better, and this new role she has on the outside has really lit a fire under her that you can see in the numbers.”
Seattle U (6-4) posted an impressive win over Gonzaga last Friday and owns a 3-0 victory over Big Sky rival Eastern Washington. The Redhawks are paced by Eve Kerschenbaum, who averages 3.72 kills and 2.42 digs per set. The 6-3 outside hitter from Wellington, Fla., posted 14 kills and 12 digs against the Zags.
“We’re excited to be playing Seattle U,” Jones said. “I think it’s going to be a great matchup. It was when we played them at their place last year. We match up well with them and they match up well with us. It’s really going to be a good battle.”
The Bobcats will open their Big Sky Conference season at Montana on Sept. 24.
