The MSU-Northern volleyball team returned to Havre after losing to Montana Western on Friday night. New Media Broadcasters spoke with head coach Jerry Wagner about the match and he first broke down how well his team played in the opening set, taking it (25-23).
“First of all, we’re going in there against a very experience team on their home court, which we are (as well) this year,” Wagner said. “We were able to establish a high level of play and these are how the matches are going to be played out against every team in the conference.”
“It’s going to come down to one or two plays for you or against you and that’s exciting,” Wagner continued. “I’m happy our kids are in that situation.”
Wagner also characterized what happened the next three sets, including trying to carry the momentum over from winning at the beginning to losing the lead late in the second, which sparked the home team.
“The first two sets were either team,” Wagner said. “(26-24) doesn’t seem like they had any advantage on us.”
“Actually, we had the lead a little bit late to where we could’ve put that second one away,” Wagner continued. “Maybe we’d still be down there.”
Northern will look to rebound with two more matches on the docket, first in the home opener against Montana Tech and then hitting the road again, this time to Rocky Mountain College. Coach Wagner said his team has a hill to climb in order to get the respect they do against two quality opponents.
“Well, it’s a little bit of a switch for Tech,” Wagner said. “They actually have a rebuilding team, but they’re rebuilding with some very nice players that have had a lot of experience (in the) postseason.”
“We’re expecting everybody’s best shot,” Wagner continued. “These guys are receiving votes.”
The Northern match with Tech will take place at the Armory Gym on Thursday night with a 7pm start, while the Rocky contest in Billings will be at 2pm on Saturday.
