Montana travels to Eastern Washington to begin 2nd half of season

Sunday, February 21

Cheney, Wash.

3 PM (MT)

Montana

Eastern Washington

Photo by: Todd Goodrich

Montana travels to Eastern Washington to begin 2nd half of season

2/19/2021 3:05:00 PM | Volleyball

Schedule Roster Statistics

By: Montana Sports Information

MONTANA AT EASTERN WASHINGTON
Sunday / 3 p.m. (MT) / Cheney, Washington
Monday / 3 p.m. (MT) / Cheney, Washington

Watch Sunday's match: WatchBigSky.com
Watch Monday's match: Pluto TV (ch. 1053)
Live Stats

The midpoint of an abbreviated Spring 2021 volleyball season has already arrived, with Montana entering the second half of its schedule this week. The Grizzlies will travel to Cheney, Washington, for a two-match series vs. the Eagles.

For Montana, the second half can be seen as an opportunity for a reset, in a way.

A season ago, with Montana regularly starting three freshmen, the Grizzlies began league play with a 1-8 record, before posting a winning mark in the back-half of conference play. The Grizzlies beat three teams they had previously lost to and qualified for the Big Sky tournament.

This season looks a little different, with teams playing each other on back-to-back nights, opposed to a month apart, but Montana is again looking to make strides during the second half of its schedule.

"Last year we had gotten close a number of times but consistently came up short, but through our training, we found our rhythm in the second half of conference," head coach Allison Lawrence said. "Once we found it, it kind of took off from there.

"I see a similar growth curve this year in the practice gym, and that's what gives me confidence with this team. I see energy, hunger and attention to detail. The halfway point is a good time to take a moment and take a breath, but also refocus and be demanding of the results that we expect."

After a season-opening win at Idaho State, Montana has lost seven consecutive matches. There have been moments of promise – playing relatively well against undefeated Weber State and more recently having a swing for the win in a five-set heartbreaker vs. Montana State – but the team has also lacked consistency.

Montana is once again young, with newcomers accounting for more than 60 percent of the Grizzlies' starts, including four true freshmen starters in its most-recent match. Making it harder is the fact that there was no preseason this spring.

Generally, the season's first four weeks are against non-conference competition, an essential time for any team, particularly one with a nucleus that has never before played college volleyball. Instead of going into Week 5 with its conference opener and a full clean slate, Montana is already halfway through its season.

"Normally preseason, for your younger players, is like drinking through a firehose where you feel like you're drowning a bit," Lawrence said. "We had the fall to train together, but what this group needed was match experience. You can only do so much in terms of finding your identity, your poise, your confidence in a practice setting, and it's been a challenge jumping straight into conference play."

As has been the case during her tenure, Lawrence is taking the long-term approach, knowing that to truly rebuild a program from the ground up, and to make lasting changes, it has to be done the right way with no shortcuts.

That philosophy has been challenged as the losses have mounted, but it's one she has been unwavering in, knowing it's what's best for the future of the program.

"It's been very challenging at times, but I think our players' belief in the process is what gives me the most confidence," Lawrence said. "If your team, from the top to bottom, has belief in what you're doing, it's going to happen. They're putting in the work to achieve their dreams and are holding the expectations up as much as the coaches are, which is the epitome of health."

10 QUESTIONS WITH SARAH ASHLEY
You're listed as an outside hitter and hold Helena Capital's all-time kills record. How different was it playing libero this last week?
I only played libero once in club. There was a coach there recruiting me who wanted to see me as a libero. This was my first weekend truly playing libero. On Sunday, I wasn't as nervous because I had just gotten thrown into it and didn't have time to be nervous, because I had to execute right away, but on Monday, I was definitely more nervous. A lot of my teammates talked to me before the game and made me feel a lot more comfortable about it, which was nice.

In Set 4, you were tied 12-12, and then – with you serving – you went on an 8-0 run with four service aces, going on to win the set. What do you remember about that run?
I just remember that being really fun volleyball, even without the aces. We were gelling really well as a team and were executing at a high level, so it was a really fun way to build momentum going into the end of that match. It was so fun. I'll remember that forever.

You grew up in nearby Helena. Did you always want to be a Griz?
I actually grew up a Bobcat fan. My grandparents worked at MSU for 30 years and my dad is from Bozeman, so I grew up around MSU more. Once I started the recruiting process, though, I became more interested in UM. I really like the academics here, and fell in love with the town and the people of Missoula. Once it came time to make a decision, I really couldn't see myself not being here because I had found so many things that I loved about the University of Montana.

You mentioned academics being important to you. What are you studying?
I'm studying exercise science. I want to go into physical therapy and have wanted to do that since sixth grade. It's never changed. If physical therapy doesn't work out, I'd be interested in becoming a strength coach. I've really enjoyed seeing what Brandon (Ronan) does and that side of athletics.

Whether you're on the court or on the bench, you seem to be a player who brings a lot of energy to the team. Where does that come from?
It's kind of new to my personality. One thing I had to focus on a lot when I started being recruited was being a louder player. I was really quiet and shy as a kid, so I've really tried to work on that. It's a lot more fun when you can bring energy and be that spark for people. That used to be really hard for me, and I had teammates who were that spark when I played with them, so growing up with that, and having examples of what that's like, really helped me find my energy and find my confidence to bring that energy to my team.

What is your favorite volleyball memory?
My sophomore year of high school, we were playing our rival, Helena High, at state. We beat them in five sets. It was the game that had the most fans that whole state tournament because so many fans from Helena came to watch. That was super fun.

When you are not competing in sports, what do you like to do?
I really like ceramics. I've thrown for four years and have been able to take classes here, so that's been awesome to still get into a ceramic studio. I love doing that, and it's a talent of mine not everyone knows about. Whenever I'm home, I also try to go to my brother's sporting events as much as possible.

What is your favorite movie?
Donnie Darko. It's kind of a weird, obscure, independent film, and it's not very happy, but I really like it because it's really well put together.

If you could go to one concert, who would you want to see?
I'd want to see Cage The Elephant. They're an alternative-rock band and they've been my favorite for years. I'd love to see them!

What is your favorite thing about living in Montana?
I love how accessible outdoor recreation is here. I don't think I appreciated that enough as a kid, and now that I have time to decide what I want to do with my time, I try to do as much as I can. The summers here are so nice, especially in Missoula. Montana summers are so hard to beat.

GRIZ TRACKS

Montana is looking for its first win since its season-opening victory over Idaho State on Jan. 24.
The Grizzlies' best statistical category is blocking, averaging 1.94 blocks per set (sixth in Big Sky).
- The Grizzlies have won the blocking battle four times this year, including three of the past five matches.
- In a season-opening win over Idaho State, Montana recorded 14 blocks, a total that has been surpassed just twice dating back to the 2015 season.
Montana has out-dug its opponent in six of eight matches this season, averaging 13.42 digs per set.

Montana recorded more service aces than Montana State in back-to-back matches last week, including a season-high nine on Feb. 14.
Montana has made fewer service errors than its opponent in six of eight matches this season, averaging 1.71 per set (compared to a 2.29 average for its opponents).
Junior libero Sarina Moreno ranks fifth in Big Sky play with 3.58 digs per set… She leads Montana with a .965 serve-receive percentage… She was in double figures for digs in five of Montana's first six matches, before missing parts of the past two matches due to injury… She recorded a season-high 22 digs against Weber State (Feb. 1), the highest dig total by a Big Sky player in a four-set match this season… Moreno also recorded a service ace in three consecutive matches from (Jan. 31-Feb. 7)… Has 897 career digs and set a Montana freshman record with 429 digs in 2018.
Freshman outside hitter Sophia Meyers has been in double figures for kills in six of eight matches this season, including five in a row from Jan. 31 through Feb. 14… She is averaging 2.48 kills per set (second on the team) and has led Montana for kills four times this season... In a three-set match vs. Weber State (Jan. 31), Meyers had 10 kills and zero errors, hitting .526.
Freshman setter Carly Anderson has started all eight matches this season, and is averaging 8.13 assists per set (sixth in Big Sky play)… The versatile athlete also is tied for the team lead for service aces (eight) and ranks third for blocking (0.68 per set)… She has multiple dump kills in six of Montana's past seven matches, including five on six attempts vs. Montana State (Feb. 15).
Freshman middle blocker Madi Chuhlantseff has started all eight matches at middle blocker… She ranks second on the team for blocking (0.87 per set) and fourth for kills (1.29 per set), and has led Montana for blocking team-high six times (including ties)… Last week vs. Montana State (Feb. 14), she had a career-high nine kills on just 14 swings (.500 hitting percentage), in addition to the first three service aces of her career... During a two-match series vs. Weber State (Jan. 31-Feb. 1), Chuhlantseff recorded 15 kills on .343 hitting, in addition to 1.14 blocks per set.
Sophomore defensive specialist Isabelle Garrido ranks third on the team for digs (2.17 per set)… She has been in double figures for digs three times this season, and has started three matches at defensive specialist… As a freshman in 2019, played in 29 matches (eight starts) and recorded 212 digs (2.04 per set) and 16 service aces.
Sophomore Elsa Godwin has earned five starts at outside hitter, including each of the past four matches… She is tied for the team lead with eight service aces and ranks third with 2.10 digs per set… She also has 21 kills, including a season-high 10 vs. Montana State (Feb. 14)… In that match, she recorded her first double-double of the season, also adding 11 digs… After ranking fourth in Big Sky play in 2019 for service aces, Godwin recorded two aces in each of Montana's first three matches to open the season.
Sophomore outside hitter Amethyst Harper ranks second on the team with 2.77 kills per set… She was in double figures for kills in Montana's first five matches, and 17 straight matches dating back to 2019, before being held to nine or fewer in three consecutive matches since Feb. 8… She has led Montana for kills six times this season (including ties)… Harper also ranks second on the team for digs (2.84 per set) and serve-receive percentage (.957) and has three double-doubles… As a freshman in 2019, Harper ranked fifth in Big Sky play for kills (3.77 per set) and set a Montana freshman record with 355.
Freshman outside hitter/defensive specialist Sarah Ashley had a series to remember vs. Montana State (Feb. 14-15), leading Montana for digs in both matches (3.00 digs-per-set average) and recording six service aces… Twice served during 8-0 Montana runs, including a Set-4 victory on Feb. 14 that turned a 12-12 tie into a 20-12 lead… Ashley had four aces in that stretch alone… Made her collegiate debut at Southern Utah (Feb. 8), playing parts of the final two sets and recording four digs.
Senior middle blocker Peyten Boutwell leads the Griz for blocking (0.94 per set, 10^th in Big Sky play) and hitting percentage (.279), and ranks third with 2.23 kills per set… The graduate transfer has started all eight matches and has recorded at least seven kills five times and four blocks on four occasions… Recorded a career-high 18 kills and four blocks vs. Montana State (Feb. 14)… In her Griz debut (at Idaho State, Jan. 24), she became the first Grizzly since 2014 to record 10 blocks, and the first player since 2010 to record a kills/blocks double-double (15 kills, 10 blocks). Her .609 hitting percentage that day is the second-best by a Big Sky player this season, as were here 10 blocks… Her breakout senior season comes after she recorded 22 kills and 21 blocks from 2016-19 at UC Riverside and Abilene Christian (one kill, zero blocks in the past three seasons).
Sophomore right-side hitter Catie Semadeni has started two matches for the Grizzlies this season… She has recorded 11 kills, seven digs and four blocks… As a freshman in 2019, started 14 matches and recorded 100 kills.
Sophomore defensive specialist Kelsey Nestegard played in Montana's first four matches, recording two aces vs. Weber State (Feb. 1).

SERIES VS. THE EAGLES

Montana is 57-41 all-time against Eastern Washington, winning four of the past five contests dating back to the 2017 season. The Grizzlies are 18-24 vs. the Eagles in Cheney.

The two teams split the series a season ago. In an October match in Missoula, Montana tallied nine service aces and held Eastern Washington to .073 hitting (season low for a Griz opponent in 2019) in a three-set Griz victory. The following month in Cheney, Montana came in riding high, earning its first win at Idaho in 28 years the night prior, but came out flat, losing the first two sets. Montana rebounded to win the third and fourth sets, and led 7-5 in Set 5, before a 6-0 Eagles run flipped the momentum.
Montana hit above .200 in both 2019 matches vs. Eastern Washington and out-blocked the Eagles 17 to 5.5.
In its two wins over Eastern Washington in 2018, Montana recorded its two highest hitting percentages of the season, hitting a combined .329.
In two matches vs. Eastern Washington, sophomore outside hitter Amethyst Harper is averaging 3.3 kills and 2.0 digs per set. Then a freshman, she had 19 kills in last year's match in Cheney.
Sophomore outside hitter Elsa Godwin has six career service aces vs. Eastern Washington, including five in Montana's 2019 home win.
Junior libero Sarina Moreno has been in double figures for digs in all four career matches vs. Eastern Washington, including 22 – plus three service aces – in last year's contest in Cheney.

In their history, the Grizzlies have beaten the Eagles more than any other opponent aside from Montana State, with the two teams playing at least once every season since 1975.
From 1978-96, Montana went 37-3 against the Eagles winning 19 in a row at one point. Immediately following that stretch, from 1996-2008, the Eagles won 24 of 25.

SCOUTING EASTERN WASHINGTON

Eastern Washington enters the week with a 3-6 record, including a 2-6 mark in Big Sky play. The Eagles are 3-2 on their home court this season, beating Northwest Nazarene and Portland State (twice).
Eastern Washington's six losses have come against the top three teams in the league: at Weber State, vs. Northern Colorado and at Northern Arizona.
The Eagles have three players averaging at least 2.0 kills per set, led by freshman outside hitter Sage Brustad (2.56). Brustad also leads the Eagles with 11 service aces.
Brustad has been in double figures for kills in three of the past four matches, leading the Eagles in that category all three times.
Catelyn Linke was named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Feb. 9. The senior libero is averaging 4.70 digs per set on the season, which ranks second in the Big Sky. With more than 1,000 career digs, she ranks in the top 10 in Eastern Washington history for career digs.
As a team, Eastern Washington ranks third in Big Sky play with 15.3 digs per set.
A season ago, Eastern Washington went 6-24, including a 4-14 record in Big Sky play.
Leslie Flores-Cloud is in her third season in Cheney. She was previously the associate head coach for five seasons at Drake.

LOOKING AHEAD
Montana will return home to host Idaho, a team that is 4-4 entering this week. Matches are scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 28 (4 p.m.) and Monday, March 1 (7 p.m.).

Gallery: (2-15-2021) VB: vs. Montana State (02.15.21)