Bobcats Defeat Marist, Complete Weekend Sweep

Sunday, August 30

Easton, PA

8:30 am MT

Montana State University

3-0,0-0Big Sky

Marist

0-3,0-0MAAC

Team	1	2	3	4	5	Final F
Montana St.	25	25	22	19	15	3
Marist	17	21	25	25	12	2

Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services

8/30/2026 12:53:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

By: Kate Cooney

EASTON, Pa. – The Montana State Volleyball team completed an opening weekend sweep with a five-set victory against Marist on Sunday morning. The Bobcats earned three wins in two days at the Maroon and White Classic, marking the team's best start since head coach Matt Houk's inaugural season in 2023.

"Today was tough, we came out very strong, and then gave up the momentum after the break," Houk said. "We stayed strong offensively, but on the defensive side we wavered for a bit. It's good to be in those situations early in the season. Those tests are important to finding out who you're going to become. I'm proud of the group and their response in set five."

Montana State (3-0) started with an early energy, claiming the first two sets over Marist (0-3). The Bobcats recorded 16 kills in the first set's 25-17 victory and followed with 14 in the second for a 25-21 finish.

The Red Foxes then picked up and challenged the Cats through 12 tie scores and three lead changes before ultimately picking up their first victory in a 22-25 third set. The fourth fell in similar fashion, with Marist earning a 19-25 win.

Montana State and Marist were neck and neck through the fifth set reaching a tie of 11-11 before the Bobcat offense generated enough momentum with Afton Thomsen at the service line to power their way to a 15-12 deciding score.

Sophomore Teagan Jaynes returned to her role as the starting setter and recorded 46 assists, nine kills, and two service aces. With 63 assists this weekend, Jaynes is just three away from 1,000 in her career.

The duo of Elli Esko and Elli Tufto led the Bobcats in kills once again, with Tufto recording 13 and Esko coming in just behind with 11. Esko had a standout performance in her collegiate debut, reaching double-digit kills in all three matches this weekend.

Nicolette Noble remained a consistent force on defense with a career-best 24 digs against Marist, contributing to her tournament total of 63. Three Bobcats also reached double-digit block totals, led by Lauren Schloe's 11 on the weekend. Senior Joelie Spelts blocked 11 times and added 29 total kills while Lauren Greeny had 10 blocks, 26 kills and 36 digs in her first tournament as a collegiate volleyball player.

Montana State returns to the court in Minnesota on Thursday, Sept. 3 for a three-day tournament hosted by St. Thomas. The Bobcats will open play with the host school and are slated for matchups with Milwaukee and UIC on Friday and Saturday respectively.

The Bobcats' 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.

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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.