PULLMAN, Wash. - The University of Idaho volleyball team took home the Baden Cougar Challenge Tournament title Saturday evening with a three game sweep of host Washington State, 30-27, 30-22 and 30-21 at Bohler Gym.

"It took us about 10 points to get in a good rhythm and good flow but I thought our team played with a lot of maturity," head coach Debbie Buchanan said.  "I thought we executed our game plan really well."  

Washington State came out on fire in game one as they jumped out to a 5-1 lead before two consecutive Saxony Brown aces and a Meghan Brown kill tied it at nine.  The Cougars used a five point run to take a 20-13 lead before the Vandals responded to tie it at 27.  A WSU attack error gave UI the lead and kills from Amanda Bowman and Erin Curtis gave Idaho the come from behind win.

"We were able to play good defense, block well and serve tough," Buchanan said.  "I think we frustrated them a little bit with our defense."

Idaho recorded the first five points of the second game to take a 5-0 lead.  Washington State rallied to tie the game at nine and took their only lead of the game at 10-9.  The Vandals quickly regained the lead and never let up on their way to the 30-22 win.  Kati Tikker and Bowman paced Idaho with six kills apiece.

A scary moment for the Vandals came midway through game two when Meghan Brown went down with an ankle injury and had to be helped off the court. 

"I think Meghan will be back pretty quick," Buchanan said.  "She had an awesome weekend and for her to get MVP although she didn't play the last few games was great.  She was a huge part of us winning this tournament and hopefully we get her back for next weekend."  

The Vandals continued to dominate in game three as they led by as many as nine on their way to the 30-21 win and the match.

"We played more consistent this weekend then the past two weekends," Buchanan said.  "Our hitters did a great job tonight and we ran a good offense."

At the end of the match UI outside hitter Meghan Brown was selected as the tournament MVP after recording 38 kills in three matches.  Also receiving all-tournament honors for the Vandals were Tikker, Curtis and Saxony Brown.  This is the second consecutive all-tournament honor for Curtis and third consecutive honor for Saxony Brown.

"Saxony is a great leader.  For her first year setting she is doing a good job running the offense," Buchanan said.  "Kati is hitting the ball well and she did an outstanding job.  Erin is getting better with every match she plays.  We need offense from her and she's bringing that for us."

Tikker and Bowman each recorded 14 kills for the Vandals while freshman Haley Larsen added 10 kills on .444 hitting percentage.  Stacy Sode paced the Vandals with 18 digs. 

Overall Idaho out-hit and out-dug Washington State, .235 to .096 and 55 to 44, respectively.  The Cougars recorded 12 blocks compared to only four for the Vandals. 

"We're heading in the right direction," Buchanan said.  "We are accomplishing the things we want to."

Idaho (7-2) heads to the Utah Tournament Sept. 15-16 at Salt Lake City, Utah.