MOSCOW, Idaho—The Idaho volleyball season is now a week away. The team opens up at Oregon State next Friday, Aug. 25. The Vandals have worked hard over the past two weeks to prepare for their opening tournament. 

"We are way further along than we were last year," head coach Debbie Buchanan commented. "That is exciting. For the most part, we have been able to keep everyone healthy. We have been able to push along and really try a bunch of different rotations. It is nice to have a lot of depth, especially on the outside."

The Vandals boast nine outside hitters on the roster this season. Sarah Sharp, one of the team's top offensive threats, leads the position group. The junior from Filer, Idaho, totaled a team-high 353 kills last season. She led the Vandals with 3.02 kills per set, ranking 10th in the Big Sky. 

Sharp noted that there is a new level of confidence as the season approaches.

"I feel like you earn a lot of confidence going into your third season. We all know what is expected of us. It makes it a little easier."



Idaho looks to be an athletic bunch on the outside the season. Kaela Straw, a 2015 Big Sky All-Tournament selection, returns the second most production at the pin. She totaled 255 kills last season, finishing third on the team with 2.60 per set. Avery Housely redshirted last season and will join the rotation as a redshirt freshman. Alycia Wodke, Paige Rupiper, Casey Kline and Rachel Mills all add to the position's depth. 

"We are pretty athletic at that position right now," Buchanan explained. "Sarah worked her butt off this summer. She hit a personal record, touching 10-6 ½. If we can get her playing close to that she is going to have a lot of success. Kaela is doing some great things on the outside. Avery, who redshirted, is doing some good things. Reece Carman and DeVonne Ryter can hit outside, middle and rightside. All those kids right now are pretty physical, giving us some good arms" 

"The added depth has been really nice," Sharp added. "We are able to switch some things up in our rotations in practice. It is good to see different arm strengths on the pins, instead of just having two girls out there. It has also given our defense something new to look at too."

The Vandals will have three practices next week to work any wrinkles out. The team leaves for Corvallis on Thursday and will open the season against the Beavers on Friday.

Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho volleyball by following the team on Twitter and Instagram, @IdahoVolleyball.

For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com. Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.