The 2013 edition of Bobcat volleyball will open its season at the UniWyo Wyoming Invite in Laramie, Aug. 30-31. In a preview of the 2014 Big Sky Conference season, MSU will open against the University of Idaho on Friday at 11 a.m. The Vandals will return to the Big Sky following this season. The Bobcats will conclude play on Friday against Drake at 5 p.m. On Saturday, MSU will face Stetson at 9 a.m., before concluding the UniWyo Wyoming Invite against the Cowgirls at 1:30 p.m.
THE TOURNAMENT FIELD:
Idaho posted a 17-14 overall mark and a 13-5 slate in WAC play last fall. The Vandals return two starters, and much like the Bobcats, welcome six newcomers to the roster. Debbie Buchanan is in her 14th season in Moscow and has notched a 196-188 career record. Idaho holds a 24-7 advantage in the all-time series dating back to the 1982 campaign. The last meeting between the old rivals was a 3-0 Vandal decision in 2010. Montana State holds a 2-0 lead in its series with Drake going back to 1980. The Bulldogs were 5-24 last fall and 4-14 in Missouri Valley play. Darrin McBroom begins his first season in Des Moines and returns five starters to the floor. Montana State will be playing its first match ever against Stetson on Saturday. The Hatters went 4-31 last fall and were 0-18 in Atlantic Sun action. Tim Loesch is in his third season in DeLand, Fla., and has notched a 136-163 career mark. The Bobcats and Wyoming have met on 16 occasions, with the Cowgirls holding a 10-6 lead in the all-time series going back to the 1979 season. Chad Callihan is in his first season in Laramie, and has an 11-year 227-135 career slate. Wyoming returns four starters and its libero from a squad that posted a 21-11 overall record and an 8-8 Mountain West Conference mark.
ABOUT THE BOBCATS:
The 2012 Bobcats went 15-14 overall and 9-11 in Big Sky play in Kyle Weindel’s first season in Bozeman. MSU returns two starters in Eli Svisco (OH) and Natalee Godfrey (MB), along with starting libero and senior Nicole Baker. Weindel welcomes eight newcomers to the floor this fall, as well.
— MSU Sports Information
