MOSCOW, Idaho – A furious late rally helped lift Idaho (2-0) past Grand Canyon (1-1) in five sets on Saturday at the Idaho Volleyball Classic in Memorial Gym.  There's no time for rest for the Vandals, with their third and final match of the Classic coming tonight at 7 p.m.
 
Kaela Straw was the star for the Vandals.  She hit 41.7 percent on the match, finishing with 19 kills.  Sarah Sharp added 14 kills, while Haylee Mathis dished out 49 assists. 
 
Idaho came out hot, controlling the first set early.  The Vandals were able to build a 21-17 lead, but the Antelopes responded by closing on an 8-2 run to take the set, 25-23.
 
The Vandals would bounce back in the second, winning 25-20.  Idaho built an early lead, going up by as many as seven at 18-11, and handled business late for the win.  Straw was tremendous, leading the team with five kills on just six attacks.
 
The momentum carried over into the third set.  After a back-and-forth opening, the Vandals rattled off eight straight points to take a 19-8 lead, before cruising to the 25-14 win and the 2-1 advantage in the match.
 
As well as the third set went, the fourth set went the opposite.  Grand Canyon came out on fire, going up 14-5.  The Vandals would make things interesting with a late rally, but it wasn't enough, as Idaho fell 25-19.
 
The Vandals were able to put the fourth set behind them quickly and, despite trailing early, took the fifth in dramatic fashion.  Trailing 8-7 at the switch, Idaho turned to Straw, who helped the Vandals close on an 8-4 run, including scoring six of the last seven points.
 
Next up, Idaho takes on New Mexico at 7 p.m. in Memorial Gym.  Tickets are on sale at GoVandals.com/tickets and at the main entrance.