Montana Tech Volleyball Fuels Redemption Push After Nationals Miss
Source: Montana Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
BUTTE — The Montana Tech Orediggers have already shown grit this season, opening with a 2-1 record after three consecutive five-set battles. That early test of endurance paid off in their home opener when they swept Indiana University East in the first match of the Big Sky Volleyball Challenge. The clean win set a tone for a team that knows exactly what it wants: a return to the national tournament.
Last season, the Orediggers were left out of the national field when an at-large bid did not come their way. It marked the first time since 2020 that Montana Tech failed to qualify, a sting that has lingered through the offseason. With only two seniors on the roster — Rhys Layton and Kennedy Oman — the team leans heavily on its upperclassmen to steer the ship.
"Our expectations have definitely gone up from last year," said junior right side hitter Payton Treadwell. "We do not want to put ourselves in a position that we were in last year. We're going in with a 'go for it' attitude."
Head coach Brian Solomon echoed that sentiment. "It's been a big point for the seniors and upperclassmen to make sure that they're doing what it takes to get back there," he said.
The Orediggers will play two more matches in the Big Sky Challenge before shifting focus to Frontier Conference play. Their conference opener is scheduled for September 4 at Mayville State, followed by their first home conference game against Montana Western on September 9.
Junior outside hitter Talan Dodson expressed excitement about the upcoming conference battles. "What we've been talking about is executing, getting things done," she said. "We want to be competitive, go to score on every point. We need to turn it on and play hard and play together. I can't wait to get into conference play and play with my teammates."
The team's early-season performance suggests they are building chemistry quickly. The three five-set matches, though exhausting, proved they can handle pressure. The sweep against Indiana University East demonstrated their ability to close out matches efficiently. Now, the focus turns to consistency and avoiding the late-season pitfalls that cost them last year.
With a young but determined core, Montana Tech is not just hoping for a different outcome — they are actively working to make it happen. The players have bought into a culture of accountability and urgency, driven by the memory of missing out. The road ahead includes tough conference opponents, but the Orediggers believe their early-season grind will pay dividends.
As the Big Sky Challenge continues and conference play looms, the team remains grounded. Every point matters. Every match is a chance to prove they belong on the national stage. The Orediggers are not looking back; they are charging forward, one swing at a time.
Article commentary
Montana Tech's volleyball program has a clear chip on its shoulder after missing the national tournament last season. For a team that had been a regular participant, being left out was a wake-up call. The Orediggers responded with a demanding preseason schedule that tested their depth and resilience. Going 2-1 in five-set matches is no small feat, and the sweep of Indiana University East suggests the team is learning to finish strong. The roster composition adds another layer of intrigue. With only two seniors, the Orediggers are young but not inexperienced. Junior players like Payton Treadwell and Talan Dodson are stepping into leadership roles, and their quotes reflect a maturity that bodes well for the season. The challenge will be maintaining that energy through the grind of Frontier Conference play, where every opponent knows the stakes. One key factor will be how the team handles the mental aspect of the game. Last year's disappointment likely still lingers, but the Orediggers are channeling that frustration into focus. Head coach Brian Solomon's emphasis on upperclassmen accountability suggests a deliberate approach to preventing a repeat. The players seem to understand that talent alone won't get them back to nationals; execution and consistency are the pillars. Frontier Conference volleyball is competitive, and Montana Tech will need to win the close matches that define tournament resumes. The early five-set battles provided valuable practice in high-pressure situations, but conference play brings its own intensity. The schedule — starting with Mayville State and then Montana Western — will be an early litmus test. From a broader perspective, the Orediggers are part of a trend in college volleyball where parity is increasing. Programs that rely on depth and mental toughness often separate themselves. Montana Tech appears to have both, but the margin for error is slim. Their path to the national tournament runs through consistent performances and avoiding untimely injuries. The team's internal motivation is genuine — the quotes from players and coach are not just coach-speak but reflect a shared commitment. If they can translate that into results on the court, the Orediggers have a strong chance of returning to the national stage. The season is still young, but the foundation is being laid one match at a time.