’Diggers sweep Bulldogs

By The Standard Staff - 09/07/2006

UM-Western’s Kirilyn Winkler receives a set from Stephanie Couture in a match against Montana Tech on Wednesday. Tech swept Western, 30-25, 30-28, 31-29. Wally Feldt for The Montana Standard

DILLON — Even though the University of Montana-Western volleyball team was mounting an amazing comeback against Montana Tech at the time, the end of Game 3 Wednesday night at Straugh Gymnasium reminded Oredigger coach Marilyn Tobin of why she loves this year’s squad.

Tech saw an 11-point lead disappear before the Orediggers pulled out a 31-29 Game 3 win to complete the non-conference sweep. Tech won the first two games 30-25 and 30-28.

For the “fourth or fifth” time this season, Tech (4-5) was forced to play a game beyond the standard 30 points.

Tech is undefeated in those games.

“That’s an indicator of a team that works well under pressure, so I’m excited about that,” Tobin said. “We’re going to build on that.” The Orediggers have lots to build on in true sophomore Maria McNeil, who pounded 19 kills to lead the Oredigger attack.

“She had some tremendous kills,” Tobin said of the 6-foot McNeil, who was an all-conference player a year ago. “She pounded a few of them.

“She did really well for us last year, but she’s really coming into her own this year.” Sophomore Janet Friesz added nine kills and freshman Cassie Hodges had a big day at the net with three total blocks.

“Hodges had some huge blocks,” Tobin said.

True freshman Katie Daly had three and a half blocks for the Orediggers.

Also, Tobin said redshirt freshman setter Jodi Hogart, who served up 38 assists, had a big game working in the continually improving Oredigger offense.

“Each time we’ve got on the court we’ve improved,” Tobin said. “This team has a lot of potential. It’s really fun to watch this team improve.” Tobin pointed out that the Orediggers served at a 94 percent clip.

Sophomore Kristi Witt led the Tech defense with 17 digs.

Western fell to 0-10, but See ’DIGGERS, Page B6 first-year coach Katie Howells said she also saw improvement from her team as well.

“We played a lot better than last weekend,” Howells said. “We served tough. Our defense was just a little slow.” The Bulldogs served 10 aces, led by senior Jenny Finlay’s three.

Finlay had a solid all-around game and led the Bulldogs with 11 kills, Kirilyn Winkler added eight kills, while Arron Fjeld and Lindsey Nichols each killed seven.

“I think we’re getting there,” Howells said. “Tech played just a little bit better and it showed.” Montana Tech will be among the teams as Western hosts a tournament Friday and Saturday in Dillon.

Montana Tech def. Montana-Western 30-25, 30-28, 31-29 Kills — Tech 44 (Maria McNeil 19, Janet Friesz 9, CoreyAnne Russell 6, Cassie Hodges 5, Katie Daly 4, Jody Hogart 1), Western 42 (Jenny Finlay 11, Kirilyn WInkler 8, Arron Fjeld 7, Lindsey Nicholls 7, Nicole Clark 6, Brianna Ternes 2, Ashlee Johnson 1). Assists — Tech 41 (Hogart 38, Hodges 2, McNeil 1), Western 33 (Stephanie Couture 31, Kiley Myers 1, Fjeld 1). Blocks — Tech 12 (Daily 3.5, Hodges 3, Friesz 2.5, McNeil 1.5, Russell 1, Hogart .5), Western 2 (Winkler 2). Aces — Tech 4 (McNeil 2, Hogart, Kristie Witt 1), Western 10 (Finlay 3, Fjeld 2, Ternes 2, Myers 1, Couture, Nicholls). Digs — Tech 54 (Witt 17, McNeil 8, Jessie Conners 8, Hogart 7, Lacie Brenton 7, Russell 4, Friesz 1, Daly 1, Hodges 1). Western 36 (Couture 10, Myers 8, Finlay 7, Ternes 3, Fjeld 3, Nicholls 3, Clark 1, Johnson 1).