MOSCOW, Idaho -- The Idaho volleyball team (1-10) opens its 2024 Big Sky Conference schedule this week, hosting Portland State (1-10) on Thursday, Sept. 26 before heading to Ogden to take on Weber State (3-8) on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Thursday's home opener against the Vikings (1-10) gets underway at 6 p.m. from Memorial Gym, while Saturday's clash against the Wildcats (3-8) is set for noon p.m. PT. Both matches will be streamed live on ESPN+.
HOW TO FOLLOW:
Idaho vs. Portland State // Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. PT
Watch:
ESPN+
Live Stats:
SIDEARM Stats
Program:
Digital Program
Tickets:
GoVandals.com/Tickets
Idaho at Weber State // Sept. 28 at 12 p.m. PT
Watch:
ESPN+
Live Stats:
SIDEARM Stats
ABOUT IDAHO
- The Vandals look to find their stride entering Big Sky play this week after closing non-conference action with a 1-10 record. Idaho rallied back to defeat Siena College 3-1 to earn its first victory of 2024 at the Siena Saints Invitational. UI looks to bounce back from a pair of three-set losses to West Georgia and USC Upstate last weekend.
- Despite a slow start, Idaho has been powered by multiple contributors on the offensive and defensive end. Second-year Vandal Zuzanna Wieczorek has been a constant spark at opposite, leading the team with 89 kills and totaling 10 or more kills in three games. The Polish native has also been key defensively with 59 digs and nine blocks.
- Helping set up the offensive production is setter Natalia Wielgus, who has recorded 189 assists in 32 sets with an average of 5.91 per set. That mark ranks seventh best in the Big Sky. She has posted double-digit assists in nine of 11 matches, including a season-high 39 assists in a win over Siena. Miya Carmichael chips in 72 assists to rank second on the team.
- Anchoring the defensive end is libero Ada Isik and middle blocker Emma Patterson. In 25 sets played, Isik has recorded 79 digs for a 3.16 average, which ranks ninth in the conference. Patterson leads all Vandals with 31 total blocks while the second-highest Vandal owns nine.
- First-year Vandal and Florida Southwestern State transfer Madu Fontes has also been another all-around performer for Idaho, ranking first in aces (10), second in kills (71) and kills per set (2.5). In 28 sets played, she has posted the fifth-highest ace per set rate in the Big Sky at 0.36.
SCOUTING PORTLAND STATE
- Portland State goes into conference play ranking 1-10 overall during their non-conference play with their lone win coming over Butler (3-1) in the GCU Classic Tournament. PSU is looking to overcome a two-game losing streak this week.
- Viking attackers Makayla Lewis and Carisa Barron lead the offense with 108 and 89 kills, respectively. Ella Hartford leads the Vikings with 328 assists, ranking second in the Big Sky.
- Libero Paige Stepaniuk leads Portland State with 108 digs while middle blocker Naomi White leads the team in blocks with 41.
- Portland State holds a 21-9 overall record against Idaho in all-time match-ups.
SCOUTING WEBER STATE
- Weber State posted a 3-8 record during preseason action, earning wins over Utah Tech (3-1), Saint Louis (3-0), and Missouri State (3-2). The Wildcats are currently 1-3 when playing at home.
- The Wildcats offense is led by Ashley Gneiting and Jayda Tupea, combining a total of 204 kills during the preseason. Kate Payne ranks fifth in the conference with 351 assists.
- Defensively, Weber State is led by Saane Munyer who has a total of 53 blocks on a 1.18 average per set, which ranks fifth highest in the Big Sky.
- Idaho holds a 25-21 overall record over the Wildcats in this series.
UP NEXT
Idaho returns to Moscow to compete in a match against Eastern Washington on Friday, Oct. 4, a part of homecoming weekend. Match play gets underway at 6 p.m. from Memorial Gym.
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