Bobcats Begin Season at Maroon and White Classic

Saturday, August 29

Easton, PA

9:00 am MT

Montana State University

Delaware

8/28/2026 10:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball

VB Notes - Lafayette Tournament

By: Kate Cooney

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The 2026 Montana State Volleyball season kicks off Saturday on the first day of the Maroon and White Classic hosted by Lafayette University in Easton, Pa.

First serve is slated for 9 a.m. MT, when the Bobcats face Delaware, followed by a 5 p.m. MT matchup with the hosting Leopards. The three-game tournament will conclude on Sunday with an 8:30 a.m. MT matchup with Marist. All three matches will be livestreamed on YouTube.

FIRST SERVE
The 49th season of Bobcat Volleyball begins with a two-day tournament in Easton, Pa., as the Cats head to Lafayette University. The three-game slate for the Bobcats will feature three first-time opponents in Delaware, Lafayette, and Marist. MSU will face the Blue Hens and Leopards on Saturday before concluding the weekend against the Red Foxes on Sunday.

BIG SKY, BIG EXPECTATIONS
Bobcat duo Teagan Jaynes and Joelie Spelts were named to the All-Big Sky Preseason Team. Joining nine of the top athletes in the conference, the sophomore setter and senior blocker are expected to play a significant role this season. Jaynes recorded 934 assists while working as the primary setter for the Bobcats in her freshman season. She totaled 644 assists in conference games, the most by any player in the Big Sky. Spelts is entering her fourth season at MSU and has made a name for herself as one of the best blockers in the conference. She led the Bobcats with 111 total blocks and 237 kills with a .285 hitting percentage a season ago.

WELCOME BACK, BOBCATS
Returning to the MSU roster, senior Karli Heidemann has been one of the Bobcats' most consistent offensive players. Rapidly approaching 500 career kills, Heidemann and Spelts have stood out as leaders amongst the 11 returning players.

NEW CATS IN TOWN
Five newcomers joined the MSU roster prior to the season, including sophomore transfer Keely Culler from Western Michigan. She is joined by a trio of freshmen in Elli Esko, Jolene Green Ewen, and Taylor McDonald, who will all make an effort to work their way into the rotation this year.

TEE IT UP
One of the newest additions to the roster, outside hitter Lauren Greeny has stood out in the preseason. The graduate student is making her long-awaited return after an injury sidelined her career in high school. Greeny spent four seasons becoming one of the most decorated golfers in MSU history, but chose to return to the court for her final year of eligibility and promises to make an immediate impact on the season.

PRESEASON PROGRESS
The Bobcats earned a No. 6 ranking in the Big Sky Coaches' preseason poll, a spot ahead of last year, after finishing 13-15 and 8-8 in conference play during the 2025 season.

Montana State's home opener will be played Sept. 10, the first of a three-game tournament featuring North Dakota State and Portland. Single-match tickets are on sale now.

Follow the Bobcats
For the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the Montana State women's volleyball team, follow the Bobcats @MSUBobcatsVB on X, Instagram, and Facebook. Information on the Montana State athletic program can be found online at msubobcats.com or by following @MSUBobcats on X, @MontanaStateBobcats on Instagram, and @Montana State Bobcats on Facebook.