Montana returns home to host Idaho

Sunday, February 28

Missoula, Mont.

4 PM

Montana

Idaho

Madi Chuhlantseff vs. Weber State - 1/31/21

Photo by: Todd Goodrich

2/26/2021 3:07:00 PM | Volleyball

Schedule Roster Statistics

By: Montana Sports Information

MONTANA VS. IDAHO
Sunday / 4 p.m. / Missoula, Montana
Monday / 7 p.m. / Missoula, Montana

Watch: Pluto TV (ch. 1056)
Live Stats

Montana returns to Dahlberg Arena to host Idaho in a two-match volleyball series. The Griz and Vandals will play Sunday at 4 p.m., before meeting again on Monday at 7 p.m. Both matches can be broadcast on Pluto TV (ch. 1056).

The past month has been hard for Montana's volleyball team, particularly the past two weeks, with the Grizzlies falling in five sets three times in a four-match span.

Montana is still young, starting four true freshmen. The Grizzlies' nine players who saw the court last week consist of four true freshmen, four sophomores and a transfer. They're playing without their starting libero and another defensive starter.

And while the wins have been hard to come by, Lawrence is seeing growth.

"Each week is fun to get back and see their energy and see if they can find a new gear," she said. "And they do each time."

The maddening part for Lawrence is that the growth she sees hasn't transferred to tangible results. It's easy for her to see her team improving in specific statistical categories or position groups, or feel her team is close to a breakout as evidenced by its recent close matches.

But when the results in the win column aren't showing up, it can be frustrating.

"Just like I said after Monday's match, this has been the most frustrated I've been as a coach, but I think a lot of that comes from the fact that I can see our potential."

So Lawrence is taking a narrow approach.

"Rather than focus on the matches this weekend and what we have to do in order to win, we're really compartmentalizing our focus in practice," Lawrence said. "How do we get better in practice today? How do we respond with toughness and resiliency? How do we – individually – execute our roles and responsibilities?

"Our measurement of success is by doing those things consistently, because we trust that when we're able to do that, the wins will come from doing those things."

Back at home this Sunday and Monday taking on Idaho!

💻 Pluto TV (ch. 1056)#GoGriz #GrizVB pic.twitter.com/TKcW9dFDu1
— Montana Griz VB (@MontanaGrizVB) February 26, 2021

10 QUESTIONS WITH MADI CHUHLANTSEFF
When Madi Chuhlantseff was recruited to Montana, the Griz staff obviously saw potential in the 6-1 middle blocker. But now, five weeks into her first collegiate season, Lawrence admits that Chuhlantseff has exceeded the potential the coaching staff saw in her – at least this early on.

Chuhlantseff, a Salem, Oregon, native, has started every match for the Griz. She leads the team for blocking (0.78 per set) and ranks fourth on the team for kills (1.24). And she's coming off a match in which she recorded eight kills with zero errors (8-0-17).

"You don't know what you're going to get with a freshman when she is put in a pressured environment, but Madi has one of the healthiest mindsets I've seen as a freshman," Lawrence said. "She's constantly asking questions, asking for extra reps and trying to perfect her craft. She's a great learner and I've never seen her bogged down in failure; I just see her eager to try again and evolve."

Below is a Q&A with Chuhlantseff:
What do you remember about your collegiate debut?
It was a crazy experience, definitely surreal. It's so different when you're scrimmaging versus a different opponent across the net. We didn't have a fanbase, but I knew my family was back home watching. Once I got my hands on the ball and put a kill down, I got more loose and got a feel for what shots were open and what I knew I was capable of.

You've started every match as a true freshman. What has that been like?
Coming in, I didn't have any idea that I would start. My goal was to compete with Peyten (Boutwell) and the other middles, and from practice No. 1 I saw my growth. My first scrimmage, I was put on the starting side, and it was kind of scary, but I didn't treat it different from anything else. I was proud of myself, but I tried to keep my head down and tried to continue to work harder so I could stay on that side.

How has your confidence on the court built over the past month?
Looking back from that first game to the most recent one, it's completely different. I just feel so much more mature, and my confidence has gone up so much since the fall. I came from a pretty competitive club team, so I felt like the transition was pretty smooth, but I feel like I've grown so much from the fall and have stepped up and taken on my role. Alli (Lawrence) and the coaches have really helped me improve in so many ways.

Would you rather get a big kill or a big block?
I've always said a good kill is the best feeling, so before coming to college I would have said a kill for sure. But I've always struggled with blocking, so coming here, that's been the No. 1 focus I've wanted to improve on. Having Dana (Hallisey) work with the middles on blocking, I think, has changed my whole skillset. I've learned so much and I've started to enjoy blocking. It's a great feeling when you get a stuff block, or knowing that you can help the back-row players by closing a block. So I'd say getting a big block is probably the better feeling, because I've worked so hard and I'm looking forward to still getting better at that skill.

What do you remember about your first visit to the University of Montana?
It was after a club tournament in Spokane, and I did a road trip to Missoula with my mom, dad and a club teammate. It was early spring and snowy. I fell in love with the campus and the snow, and being surrounded by mountains. That trip was more for me, but I got to come back in September of my junior year to take my official visit. That was the best experience because I got to experience more of the college life. I went to a football game and got to watch the volleyball team play against Gonzaga. I got to see what their pregame was like in the locker room, and it was just such a cool weekend because I was living the college experience. Elsa (Godwin) was my host and she did such an amazing job of answering my questions and making me feel comfortable. Everyone was so friendly and treated me so well.

When you're not playing volleyball, what is your favorite thing to do?
I like to go hiking. Peyten (Boutwell) and I went hiking a lot in the fall, and even back in Oregon over break. I also recently started to learn how to fish with my dad. It's something I want to continue to learn, especially fly fishing, because I hear Montana is great for it. I want to accomplish fly fishing, and maybe even take some classes.

What is the biggest difference between Montana and your home state of Oregon?
In Salem, we were more centralized, so it was harder to do all of the outdoors exploring that you can do in Montana. I've found myself spending way more time outside here, being so close to the mountains and having easy access to hiking trials. I'm excited to spend my summer in Missoula and go floating and do all of the other summertime activities.

What is your favorite movie?
I prefer TV shows over movies; I'll always go for a good series over a movie. My favorite is Grey's Anatomy. I've recently gained an interest for the health field, so it's a fun show to watch.

Where is your favorite place that you've traveled, or someplace you'd like to visit?
My family took a trip to Arizona and we went all over the state and to the Grand Canyon. That was a really fun trip. My mom was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, so I really want to go there and see what life was like for her. I also have a goal to play overseas (after college). I think it would be awesome to continue playing volleyball and see other countries.

Your coaches talk about your constant desire to ask questions and learn. Where does that come from?
I'm the type of person who needs to be engaged to learn, so in class, I'm the type of person who sits up front. I rather ask questions one on one rather than in front of a group, so I'll stay behind after class and ask questions, or in practice, go to my coaches after a drill and ask what I can be doing differently. The best way for me to learn is to know what I'm doing wrong, so I always want to learn so I can improve.

GRIZ TRACKS

Montana is looking for its first win since its season-opening victory over Idaho State on Jan. 24. Three of the Grizzlies' past four losses have come in five sets. Montana had a match-point opportunity vs. Montana State (Feb. 14), led 2-1 at Eastern Washington (Feb. 21) and held a 2-0 lead over the Eagle the following day (Feb. 22).
The Grizzlies' best statistical categories are service aces (1.22 per set), blocking (1.73 per set) and digs (13.44 per set).
Montana recorded 12 service aces at Eastern Washington (Feb. 21), Montana's second-highest total in a match dating back to 2008.
The Grizzlies have won the blocking battle five times this year, including four of the past six 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 seven of 10 matches this season.
Montana has made fewer service errors than its opponent in seven of 10 matches this season, averaging 1.73 per set (compared to a 2.39 average for its opponents).

Junior libero Sarina Moreno ranks seventh 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 four 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 eight of 10 matches this season, including the last two and five in a row from Jan. 31 through Feb. 14… She is averaging 2.54 kills per set (second on the team) and has led Montana for kills five times this season... Last week vs. Eastern Washington (Feb. 21-22), she recorded the first two double-doubles of her career, including a career-high 19 digs (Feb. 22)… She also had seven service aces in the two matches, and has recorded an ace in three consecutive matches… 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 10 matches this season, and is averaging 8.03 assists per set (fifth in Big Sky play)… The versatile athlete also ranks third on the team for blocking (0.51 per set), third for service aces (nine) and fourth for digs (1.51 per set)… is tied for the team lead for service aces (eight) and ranks third for blocking (0.68 per set)… She also has 26 kills at the net, compared to two errors, including four or more kills in three consecutive matches.
Freshman middle blocker Madi Chuhlantseff has started all 10 matches at middle blocker… She leads Montana for blocking (0.78 per set) and ranks fourth for kills (1.24 per set)… Chuhlantseff has led Montana for blocking a team-high seven times (including ties)… Has recorded seven or more kills in a match four times, recording two or fewer errors in all four contests… Is coming off a .471 hitting day vs. Eastern Washington (Feb. 22), recording eight kills and zero errors (8-0-17)… Had a career-high nine kills on just 14 swings (.500 hitting percentage) vs. Montana State (Feb. 14), 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 fourth on the team for digs (2.17 per set)… She has been in double figures for digs three times in six matches, and has started three matches at defensive specialist… Has missed the past four matches due to injury… 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 seven starts at outside hitter, including each of the past six matches… She is tied for second on the team with nine service aces and ranks third with 2.17 digs per set… She also has 32 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… Has been in double figures for kills in three of the past four matches, recording a season-high 14 at Eastern Washington (Feb. 22)… Has a service ace in six matches, including multiple aces four times, led by four against the Eagles (Feb. 21)…. Ranked fourth in Big Sky play for service aces in 2019.
Sophomore outside hitter Amethyst Harper leads Montana with 2.83 kills per set… She was in double figures for kills in Montana's first five matches, and 17 straight matches dating back to 2019… Has been in double figures for kills seven times this season, recording back-to-back double-doubles last week at Eastern Washington (Feb. 21-22)… In the second match (Feb. 22), Harper tallied a season-high 18 kills… She has led Montana for kills seven times this season (including ties)… Harper also leads the team with 114 digs (2.78 per set) and ranks second for serve-receive percentage (.955)… She has five double-doubles, including back-to-back entering this week… 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 ranks sixth in Big Sky play with 0.43 service aces per set… After not playing in the season's first five matches, she has suited up at libero for the past four, starting at the position in three consecutive matches… Has been in double figures for digs in all four of those matches, recording at least one service ace in each match as well… Recorded a career-high 20 digs at Eastern Washington (Feb. 22)… 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 and five in the match (third-most in a match this season by a Big Sky athlete)… 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 Grizzlies for hitting percentage (.248)… Also ranks second on the team for blocking (0.76 per set) and third for kills (2.10)… The graduate transfer has started all 10 matches…. Has recorded seven or more kills in seven of 10 matches, and four or more blocks four times… 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 played in seven matches, starting two for the Grizzlies … She has recorded 11 kills, seven digs and four blocks… As a freshman in 2019, she started 14 matches and recorded 100 kills.
Sophomore defensive specialist Kelsey Nestegard has played in seven of Montana's 10 matches, recording three service aces, after totaling two a season ago as a freshman… She had a pair of aces vs. Weber State (Feb. 1)… Was named the team's scout-team MVP in 2019, being praised by her teammates for competitive energy and passion.

SERIES VS. THE VANDALS
Montana's series vs. Idaho dates back to the Grizzlies' first-ever match, in 1975. Montana is 28-38 vs. the Vandals, including 13-16 in Missoula.

In the most-recent meeting, Montana snapped a 14-match road losing skid to Idaho, winning in Moscow for the first time since 1991. The Grizzlies dropped the first two sets before winning the final three by scores of 25-20, 25-23 and 18-16.
In the match, true freshmen Amethyst Harper (17 kills) and Catie Semadeni (11, then a career-high) led the Grizzlies to victory.
In October 2019 in Missoula, Harper set a career high with 21 kills, while Montana had three players in double figures for digs and totaled seven service aces, including 14 digs and four aces from Elsa Godwin. That match, a 3-1 Vandals win, featured 34 tie scores and 17 lead changes, with neither team leading by more than four points through the first three sets.
Montana is looking for just its third win over Idaho since 2000. Idaho has won 16 of the past 18 meetings, with the lone exceptions being November 2019 in Moscow (3-2) and September 2016 in Missoula (3-2).
In addition to last year's five-set road win, three of the past five matches vs. Idaho in Missoula have gone five sets.
From 1986-91, Montana won 12 consecutive matches in the series.

SCOUTING IDAHO

Idaho enters its series vs. Montana with a 4-4 mark overall, including a 3-3 record in Big Sky Conference play. The Vandals swept Southern Utah in late January, before splitting at Idaho State and being swept at Sacramento State.
Four of the Vandals' eight matches have gone to five sets. Similarly, Montana has gone to a full five sets four times this season.
The Vandals haven't played since Feb. 14 after last week's series vs. Northern Arizona was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within NAU's program. It marked the first Big Sky volleyball series affected by COVID-19 this season.
Idaho has five players averaging at least 2.0 kills per set, led by junior middle blocker Kennedy Warren's 3.57 per-set average. Warren ranks fourth in the conference for kills and was named the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week on Feb. 2, after tying a career high with 25 kills on .304 hitting in a win over Southern Utah.
Junior middle blocker Nikki Ball (1.31 per set, third) and sophomore outside hitter Allison Munday (0.97, eighth) are among the league's top blockers. Both players also average more than 2.0 kills per set, with Ball ranking eighth in Big Sky play for attack percentage (.302).
As a team, Idaho leads the Big Sky for blocking (2.66 per set), recording at least 8.5 blocks in every match this season.
The Vandals rank second in the Big Sky for digs, third for kills and are in the top six for every statistical category aside from service aces (11^th).
Junior defensive specialist Becca Owen (3.94, third in Big Sky play) and sophomore defensive specialist Alaina Lacey (3.06) both average more than 3.0 digs per set.
Idaho runs a 6-2 offense, with redshirt freshman Peyten Ely and sophomore Hailey Pelton acting as co-setters.
Idaho returned eight players from last year's roster, including four starters. The group of returners features three of Idaho's top-four attackers from 2019, including second-team All-Big Sky selections Ball and Warren.
The Vandals are coming off a disappointing 13-18 season, going 9-9 in league play. Prior to that, Idaho won the 2018 Big Sky regular-season title and won the 2017 Big Sky North Division.
Debbie Buchanan is in her 21^st season in Moscow, winning a program-best 313 matches and boasting a .500 or better conference record every season since 2003.