BOZEMAN, Mont. – Former Troubadour volleyball player Loni Kreun had a successful first season playing for Montana State University.

The true freshman was second on the team in kills (339) and digs (274) for a Bobcat team that went 6-25 and 4-16 in the Big Sky Conference.

“Overall we did not do as well as we were hoping,” said Kreun during a recent visit to Sacramento. “It was more of a developmental year. We had a lot of freshmen starters and incoming freshmen. It is hopeful for the future with the same group of girls.”

Kreun signed with Bobcat coach Kyle Weindel along with classmate Dana Vestman. They were among seven first-year players on the Bobcats roster.

“Loni has been one of our steadiest players all year,” said Weindel. “She is the type of player who needs to be on the court because of everything she brings. Loni is a complete player, who has been one of our steadiest passers, second in points and solid in the back row.”

Kreun, who graduated from St. Francis last May, played in all 117 sets for Montana State, recording eight double-doubles on the season. She notched a season-high 22 kills against Wyoming.

The move to Bozeman from Davis and the adjustment to the collegiate game have been a lot to take in during her first semester.

“It is more time-consuming and demanding,” said Kreun of the college game. “We have weights in the morning and practice in the afternoon. It takes a lot of our time. The game itself is faster paced with older, more experienced girls.”
Travel is also a big change. She played across the west coast with games in Wyoming, Utah, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, North Dakota and California.

“Big Sky travel is tough,” said Kreun. “We leave on Wednesday and return Sunday night. It is pretty tough to balance with school.”

On Oct. 19, the Bobcats played at Sacramento State, giving Kreun a free trip home.

“It was awesome,” said Kreun. “We got to come home and see my friends and family.”

But the Bozeman, Mont., campus is becoming her new home, at least for the next few years.

“I love the campus,” said Kreun. “It is so pretty. It is starting to snow now. When you look at the mountains, it is very pretty.”