MISSOULA, Mont. – Following a devastating four-set loss at home against Weber State, the Southern Utah University volleyball team is looking to turn things around as the midway point of league play approaches. The Thunderbirds will be facing off against the University of Montana on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.
Going into this matchup, SUU is 1-15 for the season and 0-6 in Big Sky conference play. The T-Birds are on a seven-match losing streak, but will look to break that this week. Montana is 5-12 for the season and 1-5 in conference play going into this match.
The teams are tied 8-8 in the all-time series. This matchup marks SUU’s first trip to Missoula since 2019.
Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds are seeking their first Big Sky win since rejoining the conference this offseason. With SUU averaging 10.05 kills per set, they will need to continue to look for better opportunities in order to gain their first conference victory.
One way the Thunderbirds will look to capitalize this week is by improving their offensive efficiency. With a .099 hitting percentage, SUU will need to limit their attacking errors and find more efficient ways to score in order to stay ahead this week.
Defensively, blocking could be another key area to focus on against the Grizzlies, as Southern Utah is producing 1.69 blocks per set. Strong blocking from the T-Birds could help slow down the momentum Montana is looking to gain from this game.
Montana
The Grizzlies are returning home this week after a road trip that included two losses against Portland State University and Northern Arizona University. Montana has been dealing with a thin roster due to injury, but will be looking to regroup at home this week.
Montana libero Madeline Sanderson will be a player to watch for. She is ranked second in the Big Sky and 19th nationally with 4.67 digs per set. Sanderson recorded 30 digs in last week’s three-set match against Northern Arizona, meaning the T-Birds will need to find more ways to get the ball past Montana’s defense.
Both teams will be looking for a conference win this week. Montana will attempt to use its home-court advantage, while SUU will be looking to end its losing streak and take home their first conference win.
The matchup is scheduled to take place in the Dahlberg Arena in Missoula, Mont., on Thursday, Oct. 15, and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
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Author: Lexie Nelson
Photo by SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis
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