Despite losing middle blocker Erica Jepsen to an ankle injury early last week, the volleyball team (11-3, 4-0 Big Sky) took care of business at home over the weekend, easily dispatching Montana and Montana State to remain a perfect 4-0 in conference play. Redshirt freshman Tracy Vargas helped get the festivities started Thursday as the Vikings beat the Grizzlies 3-1. Vargas had a career-high 12 kills and hit .529 as head coach Michael Seemann turned to his bench to fill the hole left by Jepsen, who will remain sidelined for at least the next few weeks. In addition to Vargas and sophomore regular Christie Hamilton, sophomore transfer Lana Zielke has seen increased playing time.
Early victories
Despite losing middle blocker Erica Jepsen to an ankle injury early last week, the volleyball team (11-3, 4-0 Big Sky) took care of business at home over the weekend, easily dispatching Montana and Montana State to remain a perfect 4-0 in conference play.
Redshirt freshman Tracy Vargas helped get the festivities started Thursday as the Vikings beat the Grizzlies 3-1.
Vargas had a career-high 12 kills and hit .529 as head coach Michael Seemann turned to his bench to fill the hole left by Jepsen, who will remain sidelined for at least the next few weeks. In addition to Vargas and sophomore regular Christie Hamilton, sophomore transfer Lana Zielke has seen increased playing time.
“It was a big loss to lose Erica,” Vargas said after Saturday’s game. “Any three of us can be playing at any given time.”
Junior outside hitter Lindsey Steele had 10 kills and 16 digs, while junior outside hitter Marija Vojnovic had eight kills, 10 digs and four service aces. Senior defensive specialist Jalen Pendon-Thomas led all players with 21 digs.
Junior setter Nique Fradella set a new season-high in assists with 51 and had 12 digs, giving her four double-doubles on the year. The Vikings are undefeated this season when at least one player notches a double-double.
The Vikings rode the momentum of their win Thursday to an easy triumph over Montana State. The Bobcats never led and fell in three sets, 25-12, 25-17 and 25-13 in Saturday’s match.
“Tonight was tough,” Fradella said. “They’re such a scrappy team. It felt good to get it done in three.”The Vikings had 12 service aces against the Bobcats just two nights after Portland State put up seven aces against Montana.
“I thought for the most part we stayed focused,” Seemann said. “We served tough all night and were balanced offensively.”
Seemann has been searching for more offensive consistency, especially in the transition game. The attack was efficient against Montana State, with Vojnovic leading the way with 10 kills, eight digs and five aces.Steele added eight kills, seven digs and four aces, while Vargas continued to contribute with six kills and five blocks. Fradella added 25 assists.
“We still have a lot of work to do,” Seemann said, adding that he is pleased with the team’s progress.
The Vikings head into a tough section of their schedule next week with stops on the road at Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado. It should be their first real challenge in conference play.
“I’m really excited for it,” Fradella said. “They are two good teams with winning records.”
Vargas said she remembers a tough game against NAU from last year.
“[NAU] really gave us a hard battle at home last season,” she said. “We’ll have to play a lot better.”
The Vikings don’t return home to the Stott Center until Oct. 17, when they play traditional conference rival Sacramento State.
