@UNCBearsVB Continues Road Trip Against the Montana Schools

Friday, October 26

Bozeman, Mont.

6 pm

University of Northern Colorado

Montana State

Photo by: Woody Myers

10/24/2018 12:57:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Game Notes

Northern Colorado faces off against the Bobcats and Grizzlies for the second time this season

By: Matthew Kushar, UNCBears.com

Northern Colorado volleyball will continue its Big Sky road trip this weekend, traveling to take on Montana State on Friday night, followed by Montana on Saturday night.

Northern Colorado went 1-1 on the road this past weekend, defeating Eastern Washington 3-1. The Bears dropped their match against Idaho 3-1 and the team is currently tied for fifth in the Big Sky standings.

UNC recorded a season-best 11 service aces against Eastern Washington, the most the team has scored since 2016 against Idaho State. Kortney Lockey, Taylor Els, and Kyndall Feather all scored three aces in the match. For Feather, it was her first three career aces.

Els is the key for UNC's defensive success this season and she continued to show her ability over the weekend, averaging 6.75 digs per set in eight total played. Els has recorded 20+ digs in four straight matches and also matched her career-best with four service aces against Idaho. Els is second in the Big Sky with a5.51 digs per set average, scoring 380 total this season.

The offense for UNC continues to rank at the top of the Big Sky, leading the conference with 13.38 kills per set and 38.46 attacks per set. The Bears are also first in the Big Sky with 12.65 assists per set.

It was another strong weekend setting the ball for Daisy Schultz as she averaged 10.50 assists per set in eight sets, with 84 total assists. Schultz continues to lead the Big Sky in assists per set, averaging 11.18.

Lockey recorded her 10^th double-double of the season against Eastern Washington, recording 15 kills and 15 digs. Lockey leads UNC with 3.36 kills per set, scoring 232 total this season.

Brittany Lawrence matched her career high against Idaho, with 11 kills and .450 attack percentage. Lawrence leads the Bears in conference matches with a .342 attack percentage and is adding 1.97 kills per set.

Scouting the Bobcats
The Bobcats have a 5-6 record in conference and 10-12 overall on the season. Montana State has won three of its last four matches, including sweeping rival Montana on Tuesday night. Montana State comes in with a balanced offensive attack, with three players averaging above 2.50 kills per set. Senior outside hitter Natalie Passeck leads the team with 2.86 kills per set, followed by sophomore outside hitter Hannah Scott and junior outside hitter Evi Wilson with 2.80 and 2.73 kills per set respectively. Sophomore middle blocker Kelsie White is the main net defender for Montana State, averaging 0.99 blocks per set, including 11 solo on the season. White recorded six total blocks in the recent win over Montana.

UNC swept Montana State back in September, as the Bobcats traveled to Greeley. Taylor Muff led the Bears with 12 kills, with Lauren Hinrichs and Jadyn McCartney each adding 11.

Scouting the Grizzlies
The Grizzlies enter the weekend with 5-6 conference record and 8-15 overall this season. Montana has dropped its last four matches, including Idaho two weeks ago and rival Montana State on Tuesday night. Redshirt-senior outside hitter Mykaela Hammer is the top scorer for the Grizzlies this season, averaging 3.16 kills per set, with a .223 attack percentage. Hammer is also averaging 2.30 digs per set, ranking fourth on the team. In the teams win over Sacramento State, Hammer scored a season best 23 kills. Hammer is third on the team with 0.67 blocks per set, with 58 total, including six solo blocks. Junior setter Ashley Watkins runs the offense for the Grizzlies, averaging 10.10 assists per set, with 865 total on the season. Watkins also leads the team with 0.24 service aces per set, scoring 20 total.

UNC also swept Montana in late September at Bank of Colorado Arena, Taylor Muff and Brittany Lawrence each recorded 11 kills in the win.

Following the Bears
Northern Colorado will play Montana State on Friday, October 26^th at 6 pm(MT) and Montana the next day, Saturday, October 27^th at 7 pm. Both matches are streamed live on PlutoTV. Live stats for the Montana State match will be available on MSUBobcats.com and GoGrizz.com for the Montana match. Follow both matches live on Twitter with @UNCBearsVB.