CHICAGO—The Idaho volleyball team opened its two-match visit to the Windy City with a 3-1 loss on Thursday. The Vandals were competitive across all four matches, but could not overcome the Blue Demons of DePaul.

Late runs continue to hamper the Vandals early on in the season. DePaul picked up crucial points in bulk in each of the first two sets to help build a 2-0 lead. Idaho gained a 22-20 lead late in the first set, looking to close out the Blue Demons. DePaul fought back with a 5-1 run to claim the opener, 25-23. The second set fell into the same pattern. Idaho held a 22-19 lead before seeing DePaul score the final six points of the set, taking the game 25-22.

"We outblocked and out served our opponents tonight," head coach Debbie Buchanan explained. "We did a decent job of digging the ball. We need to continue to build thrust and put the ball away when we get caught out of system."

Idaho broke through in the third set, using DePaul's nine attack errors to its advantage. DeVonne Ryter, Kaela Straw and Avery Housley each totaled three kills in the set. Haylee Mathis handed out 11 of her team-high 43 assists. Freshman Maura Donovan got the Vandals going early, recording back-to-back aces on the first two serves of the frame. Idaho continued to have the early momentum, building a 10-4 cushion. The Blue Demons cut the lead down to two, 20-18, before Idaho closed the match out 25-19.

"Maura did a great job from the service line tonight, creating some good opportunities for us. Our goal is to continue to work and finish strong," Buchanan added. 

The fourth set featured 10 ties and five total lead changes as play flipped back and forth. Idaho gained a late 20-17 lead off a Klaree Hobart ace, finishing off a 3-1 run. DePaul came back to tie and then take the lead with a 4-0 run. DU closed on an 8-3 run, taking the set 25-23.

Straw led the Vandals with 16 kills. Junior Alycia Wodke was all over on defense, totaling 26 digs. The Vandals finished with nine total aces, six from the arm of Donovan.

Four Blue Demons finished with double figure kills. Brittany Maxwell totaled a match-high 20 to go with her 11 digs. Myah Reed added 14 kills.

Idaho wraps up its stay in Chicago on Friday. The team will take on the University of Illinois-Chicago at 4 p.m. PT.

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.