Sept. 23, 2006
Box Score
Bozeman, MT--Nikki Havens registered a season-high 23 kills while Katie Hurst and Karli Maughan each added 12 as Idaho State defeated Montana State 3-1 (23-30, 35-33, 30-20, 30-24) Saturday night at Shroyer Gym.
The win pushes Idaho State's record to 6-10 overall, 2-2 in Big Sky play. The Bobcats fall to 5-7 on the season, 1-2 in league play.
After dropping the first game 23-30, Idaho State rallied to win a back-and-forth game two. The Bengals then carried the momentum from game two into wins in games three and four.
"The win in game two was the most pivotal point in the match," said ISU head coach Mike Welch. "We showed a lot of character by coming back to win game two after dropping the first game. The win in game two was huge for our team. After that we just continued to get better and better as the match went on."
Havens tallied her 23 kills on 42 attacks with just three errors for an impressive .476 hitting mark. Havens was helped by fellow senior Maughan, who recorded her 12 kills on 27 attacks and only three errors. Maughan connected on a .333 hitting mark. Hurst also reached double-digit kills with 12, while Zoe Beltz added 10.
"Our seniors played great," Welch said. "They played very composed and they made big plays for us in pivotal moments."
Christine Collette and Amanda Bevens split time setting up the Bengal offense. Collette dispersed 34 assists and Bevens added 29.
Defensively, Bri Beal fronted ISU with 19 digs. Three others reached double figure digs, including Emily Waldron (14), Collette (11), and Bevens (10).
Idaho State totaled 70 kills on the night with a .232 hitting mark compared to MSU's 60 kills and .216 attack percentage. ISU had 72 digs to Montana State's 65.
ISU now returns home where the team will play five straight matches starting with Portland State on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.
