CHENEY, Wash. – The Big Sky favorites got the season started in quick fashion, as Idaho volleyball (7-6, 1-0) swept Eastern Washington (8-5, 0-1) in Cheney.
 
Idaho recorded 11 blocks and kept the EWU hitters in check, with EWU hitting just .070 on the night.  Kaela Straw hit .364 with 16 kills and Reece Carman added five blocks and 12 kills while hitting .250.  Sarah Sharp was the third Vandal to record double-digit kills.  She hit .409 and finished with 10 kills.
 
Donnée Janzen played just two sets but finished with 17 assists in just her second match of the season.  Haylee Mathis led the Vandals with 19 assists.
 
Idaho took a few points to figure out EWU, but was able to build a small lead midway through the set.  The Vandals turned things on with their defense midway through the set to take control.  EWU made a run late to make things interesting, but Idaho handled business and won the first, 25-21.
 
The Vandals jumped out to a big lead in the second set.  The Eagles battled back and chipped away at the lead, eventually claiming a lead of their own midway through.  Idaho, however, wasn't discouraged and stayed within two points, before rallying to take the set, 26-24.
 
The third set went back-and-forth early on, before EWU took a 10-9 advantage.  The Vandals turned it on from there, going on a 10-1 run to pull away and eventually take the set, 25-13.
 
The Vandals will stay out on the road to take on Northern Colorado on Thursday night.  Check back with GoVandals.com tomorrow for more information.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho volleyball by following the team on Instagram and Twitter, @IdahoVolleyball. Visit GoVandals.com/Tickets for more information on season and single match tickets.