YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Vandal volleyball team hit .326 and recorded their most kills since 2019, but fell short on the court as it dropped a 3-2 match to Delaware State on Saturday afternoon at the Youngstown Invitation Tournament.

Idaho fell in the opening set 27-25 before answering with a 25-20 victory to even things up at 1-1. DSU earned a win in set three while Idaho responded with a 25-22 win in the fourth frame, but was unable to hold on for the match victory as the Hornets took the final set, 15-13. 

UI recorded 66 kills behind four double-digit performances from Delaney Nicoll (17), Madison Wilson (17), Allison Munday (13) and Taryn Vrieling (12). The quartet combined to hit .409, including a game-high .625 from Wilson. Junior Hailey Pelton tied a career-high in assists with 45. 

Freshman Aine Doty led the defensive effort with 12 digs while Munday pitched in eight. Idaho finished with 52 digs.

Seven Vandals posted at least two aces to help combine for 15 to Delaware State's 10.

It was 20 service errors for Idaho that proved to be a major difference in the match as the Vandals led in nearly every other statistical category. 

"An improved match - we hit .326 to their .254, outscored them 90-78, but missed too many serves at critical moments and did not convert to close out the match," Idaho head coach Chris Gonzalez said.  

The Vandals will look to regroup before heading to Phoenix to play in the Grand Canyon Tournament next weekend ( Sept. 2-3). Idaho will compete in three matches against Grand Canyon, Santa Clara and Wyoming.

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