FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Idaho volleyball opened up Big Sky Conference play with a 25-20, 25-11, 25-22 loss to Northern Arizona Thursday night in Flagstaff. 

The Vandals were led by Senior Nicole Ball and Sophomore Delaney Nicoll, who combined for 16 kills and three blocks. Allison Munday supplied two aces and five kills to the box score, while libero Alaina Lacey contributed 15 digs on defense.

Idaho kept the contest close to open the first set but ultimately fell to NAU, 25-20. The Lumberjacks were steady on the attack in the second, earning another victory by the score of 25-11 with the Vandals looking for an answer.

It was a back and forth affair in set three with each team trading rallies. The Vandals knotted things up at 22 all before allowing the Lumberjacks to close out the final three points to seal the victory.

Idaho tallied 27 kills for the match, but also had 34 attack errors. NAU was efficient, recording 43 kills to just 13 errors.

The Vandals fall to 3-7 on the season while NAU jumps to 3-7. 

Next up - Idaho finishes out the road trip with a matchup against Southern Utah on Saturday, September 25 at 11 a.m.

Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho volleyball by following the team on Twitter and Instagram, @IdahoVolleyball. Season tickets are also currently on sale at GoVandals.com/Tickets