Noble Repeats as Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week
9/21/2026 12:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BOZEMAN, Mont. – For the second time this season, Montana State's Nicolette Noble has been named the Big Sky Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week.
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Noble has taken over in the role of libero for the Bobcats this season, starting all 11 matches and appearing in 48 sets. She ranks second in the conference with 182 total digs, while her 3.79 digs per set average is fifth best in the Big Sky.Â
Most recently, Noble's outstanding defensive efforts helped Montana State to a pair of wins at the Mercer Invitational to conclude the non-conference season. She logged a career-best 28 digs in Saturday's win over Georgia State, contributing to a tournament total 55, averaging 3.93 digs per set. Noble added six assists and a service ace for the Cats and finished with a .930 reception percentage.
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"It was a great weekend for Nikki, finishing up the tournament with 28 digs in one match," head coach Matt Houk said. "Her defensive efforts put us in a position to finish the non-conference season strong."
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The sophomore standout was previously recognized by the Big Sky after the first week of the 2026 season when she finished 63 digs, 56 receptions and a .982 reception percentage at the Maroon and White Classic. She highlighted the tournament with 24 digs against Marist. Through non-conference play, Noble has totaled 182 digs, recording 10 or more in nine matches.
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Noble and the Bobcats return to the court on Tuesday, Sept. 22 to begin conference play with their in-state rivals at Montana.
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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.
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Noble has taken over in the role of libero for the Bobcats this season, starting all 11 matches and appearing in 48 sets. She ranks second in the conference with 182 total digs, while her 3.79 digs per set average is fifth best in the Big Sky.Â
Most recently, Noble's outstanding defensive efforts helped Montana State to a pair of wins at the Mercer Invitational to conclude the non-conference season. She logged a career-best 28 digs in Saturday's win over Georgia State, contributing to a tournament total 55, averaging 3.93 digs per set. Noble added six assists and a service ace for the Cats and finished with a .930 reception percentage.
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"It was a great weekend for Nikki, finishing up the tournament with 28 digs in one match," head coach Matt Houk said. "Her defensive efforts put us in a position to finish the non-conference season strong."
Â
The sophomore standout was previously recognized by the Big Sky after the first week of the 2026 season when she finished 63 digs, 56 receptions and a .982 reception percentage at the Maroon and White Classic. She highlighted the tournament with 24 digs against Marist. Through non-conference play, Noble has totaled 182 digs, recording 10 or more in nine matches.
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Noble and the Bobcats return to the court on Tuesday, Sept. 22 to begin conference play with their in-state rivals at Montana.
Â
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.
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Players Mentioned
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