GREELEY, Colorado (Nov. 24, 2023) – Despite trailing 8-3 in the fifth set of Friday's Big Sky Volleyball Championship Final, the Weber State Wildcats stormed back to win their third tournament title in program history and officially punch their ticket for the 2023 NCAA Volleyball Tournament.
The Wildcats won Friday's championship match over Montana State, 22-25, 26-24, 22-25, 25-21, 15-13, in Greeley, Colorado.
Dani Richins led Weber State with 27 kills, bringing her total tally in Greeley to 45 for the week, as the senior was named the tournament's MVP for the first time in her career.
Kate Standifird and Saane Katoa joined Richins on the all-tournament squad for Weber State, with Standifird earning 53 assists in the championship match and Katoa pouring in 11 kills during the victory on Friday.
Montana State, who finished the season 21-7 overall and 12-4 in league play, was led by Kira Thomsen who produced a match-high 28 kills in the loss.
The Wildcats knocked off Portland State, Sacramento State and Montana State to claim their third tournament title. Weber State has now won tournament crowns in 2023, spring of 2021 and 1988 in its volleyball program history.
Weber State, who improved to 21-9 overall on the year, will await its 2023 NCAA Volleyball Tournament opponent, with the selection show airing on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 4 p.m. MT on ESPN.
Follow the Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky and TikTok for all the latest news around the league and use the hashtag #ExperienceElevated. Also follow @BigSkyVB on Twitter and @BigSkyConfW on Instagram for volleyball and women’s sports related content.
2023 All-Tournament Team
MVP: Dani Richins, Weber State
Kate Standifird, Weber State
Saane Katoa, Weber State
Kira Thomsen, Montana State
Lauren Lindseth, Montana State
Tiyanane Kamba-Griffin, Sacramento State
Sage Brustad, Eastern Washington