COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – NC State dominated in its first victory of the season, a 3-0 shutout over Montana State, at the Air Force Academy Tournament in its first of two matches on Saturday, Sept. 6. The win is the Pack’s first decision in four tries against the Bobcats.
Arlee Tamietti and Allyson Weissberg sprinkled nine kills each, while Alex Smith lifted 27 assists. Tamietti and Aiwane Iboaya both recorded four blocks, while Nikki Sweet and Kelly Wood each had nine digs. Wood also scored the Pack’s lone service ace.
NC State’s .289 hitting clip marks its best effort on the young season.
Jodeen Rademacher and Nicole Grypiuk each had seven kills for Montana State. Taylor Faught posted 25 assists, and Meghan Albiston collected 11 digs.
State dropped the first point of the opening set, and never trailed again. An Isis Gardner kill gave the Pack the lead for good at 4-3, sparking a monster run that saw NC State jump out to a six-point advantage at 16-10. The Pack’s lead grew to as many as four points, before a Macy Merrell service error gave NC State the front stanza, 25-22.
A match-high .324 attack percentage, along with 15 kills, allowed the Pack to withstand a late MSU rally for a 25-19 win. Despite leading by as many as nine points, the Bobcats got to within five at 24-19 before another Gardner kill shut the door on the frame.
Montana State struggled to put together any offense in the third and final set, as State belted out a convincing 25-14 victory. MSU hit just –.062, compared to the Pack’s .269 effort. Although the score was knotted on six occasions early on in play, a Lauren Viren service error pushed the Pack ahead at 10-9, a lead it would hold for the remainder of the contest.
NC State will end its stay at the Air Force Academy Tournament tonight at 9 p.m. against host Air Force.
Courtesy: Ken Martin
