RENO, Nev. ? The University of Idaho volleyball team extended its season Wednesday, by handily defeating Utah State, 3-1, in its opening round match up of the Western Athletic Conference volleyball tournament. Game scores were, 30-20, 30-16, 28-30 and 31-29.
“We came out flying and playing really well in the first two games,” coach Debbie Buchanan said. “We went into the break and Utah State just upped the intensity of the match and we didn't rise to that level. In the end we fought back and got the win.”
The win means Idaho will move on to face No. 21 and tournament second seed, New Mexico State. New Mexico State had a clean sweep of Idaho this season winning both matches by 3-0 marks.
“We watched NMSU play this morning and there are definitely things we can do against them,” Buchanan said. “They were serving soft and not attacking as hard as they could, with the way we have been blocking lately and playing defense we have a real chance against them, it should be a great match.”
Idaho got strong play from its core of seniors as Amanda Bowman and Saxony Brown both had a team-high 12 kills. Sophomore Haley Larsen also had 12 kills. Erin Curtis nearly had a double-double as she collected nine kills and 12 total blocks, Bowman's 11 digs gave her the 10th double-double of her season.
Idaho looked like it would make quick work of the Aggies as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead, hitting .444 in game one, which they won 30-20. The Vandals stayed hot in game two out hitting Utah State, .297 to -.028. The Aggies clawed back into the match with their 30-28 win in game three. Utah State won a game in all three matches against the Vandals this season.
Utah State seemed poised to tie the match late in game four as they clawed their way into a tie with Idaho at 29 all. The Vandals were able to win the next two points, however and end Utah State's season.
Idaho moves on and will face New Mexico State, Thursday beginning at 5 p.m. PST.
